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Nampa council tables $50,000 reallocation for waste-to-energy research after spending questions
Summary
The Nampa City Council on March 30 deferred a $50,000 reallocation from an FY26 demonstration budget intended to fund waste-to-energy research, citing requests for a detailed R&D spending history and clarification on the scope of proposed studies.
The Nampa City Council on March 30 voted to table a staff request to reallocate $50,000 from an FY26 demonstration budget to continue research and development tied to waste-to-energy projects, including work on carbon-reduced concrete mixes, finalizing an air permit and completing power-provider forms.
Tom Points, senior public works director, told the council the city is not seeking additional tax revenue or rate increases to fund the work and that the $50,000 would be used to complete permitting, finish research on mix designs and pay limited travel for five operations staff to inspect operating systems elsewhere. “We’re not asking for additional funds,” Points said, adding that much of the effort is intended to be done in‑house and with university partnerships.
Councilmembers pressed Points for prior spending records on research and development. Points said the city has spent “around $50,000 roughly so far over past 18 months–2 years.” Councilmember (speaker 4) moved to table the item until staff returns with a detailed R&D spending log and clearer direction on how funds were and would be used; the motion passed on a roll-call vote.
Why it matters: staff said $200,000 was originally authorized for a demonstration project in FY26, of which $95,000 was allocated toward the air permit process; the requested $50,000 would come from the remaining $105,000. Council members said they want transparency about prior expenditures before reallocating more of that budgeted money.
What happens next: council asked staff — and Points in particular — to provide an itemized R&D expenditure log and a clearer critical-path plan. The council will revisit the matter at a future meeting after staff provides the requested documentation.
Votes and procedure: a roll-call vote on the tabling motion produced recorded yes/no responses and the council chair announced the motion carried and the item will be brought back with additional information for decision.
