Boise City Council approved six interim budget changes on the last meeting of the year, including a $6,670,000 transfer of one-time general fund resources to the city’s housing projects fund.

Alicia McAndrews, presenting the FY2025 year‑end report, told the council: “We ended the year with 6,670,000.00 in net available resources, and the city remains in a strong financial position.” She said general fund revenues were about $8,000,000 over budget — largely driven by development fees and large commercial projects — while expenditures finished at about 93.8% of budget.

The six interim budget changes (IBCs) approved together were: a $200,000 one‑time reallocation for the IT department to implement a new legislative management system ($180,000) and extend vendor support ($20,000); funding for a new public records request system; four new library positions for the Callister branch; a $250,000 reallocation to construct the Alta Harris parking lot using permeable pavers and bio‑retention features; $100,000 to design a green‑belt pedestrian underpass connecting the Eckert feature to Alta Harris Park; and a transfer of the general fund’s unallocated year‑end balance of $6,670,000 to the housing projects fund for future affordable housing investments.

Maureen Brewer, director of planning and development services, said the city has invested or committed roughly $60 million in housing projects to date and that adding the approved IBC would bring the city’s total close to $70 million. Brewer outlined staff thinking that roughly $4.5 million of the $6.7 million could be added to the $3.7 million currently uncommitted in the pipeline and could enable one or two additional affordable housing projects; staff also suggested reserving about $2 million to expand preservation and repair programs that could preserve roughly 200 homes.

The allocation drew both support and concern. Supporters argued housing remains the council’s top priority and staff had explained the accounting treatment for the year‑end numbers. Opponents said the decision came as a surprise and noted competing one‑time capital and safety needs, including capital fund pressures, park maintenance, and public safety facilities. Council member Willets said taking surprise funds “to housing is unwise” without broader strategic review; council member Corliss raised similar process and prioritization concerns.

Eric (city finance staff) responded directly to concerns about double counting: “I can state that we are not double counting any of these funds,” and explained the difference between balance‑sheet reserves (including an $8,000,000 development‑fee reserve) and net available general fund resources.

After discussion, a motion to approve the IBCs carried on roll call: Halliburton, Nash and Stead voted yes; Willets and Corliss voted no. The clerk recorded the motion as carried (3 in favor, 2 opposed). The mayor and staff said they would schedule follow‑up work sessions on housing priorities and PDS fee transparency so council could help shape specific allocation plans for the housing funds.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve six interim budget changes (including $6,670,000 to housing): Passed by roll call, 3–2 (Halliburton, Nash, Stead yes; Willets, Corliss no).

What happens next
Staff will return with more detailed allocations and recommended programmatic uses for the housing funds as part of the FY2027 budget and in a work session on housing and PDS finances; council members asked for breakdowns showing typical per‑unit city subsidy levels and project examples to help compare options.