Kuna reviews FY27 budget priorities: public works projects, parks upgrades and police staffing top the list

Kuna department directors presented their FY27 budget requests in a detailed workshop that emphasized infrastructure and public‑safety staffing needs.

Public Works Director Adam described a long list of capital projects and replacements: water main extensions (East Deer Flat to Deerhorn), a meter‑replacement program covering roughly 5,000 small residential meters (with a phased replacement of 250–500 per year), drilling a new well to serve the eastern city limits (well #13, sited in the Falcon Crest development), lagoon relining and a multi‑year Mason Creek trunk project (about 5,000 feet of 36‑inch gravity sewer to Swan Falls High School). Adam told council that about 85% of requested CIP spending is growth‑related rather than pure maintenance.

Parks & Recreation Director Chris Regley requested additional maintenance staff (including a custodial position) and presented several park upgrades: a Butler Park renovation, an Arbor Ridge playground replacement, a skate‑park addition (~$140,000) and a proposed outdoor fitness studio that would cost roughly $385,000 after a $30,000 grant; he also proposed a pre‑fabricated restroom near the skate/fitness area.

Planning & Zoning Director Doug Hansen briefed the council on the comprehensive plan update (funded in FY26, adoption expected 2027) and a carryover request for a building inspector position if hiring is not completed by Oct. 1.

The police department presented four staffing scenarios. Chief Chad Hessing highlighted crime trends, clearance rates above the state average and rising call volumes. He recommended Option 3 as the minimum acceptable staffing path — adding a specialist detective, two patrol deputies, a detective sergeant and a code‑enforcement position — while Option 4 would add four patrol deputies enabling three daily patrol teams and provide the most coverage. Chief Hessing noted the city’s crimes‑per‑resident metric has been trending down even as population estimates rise.

Finance/Treasurer Jared reviewed utility account counts (~13,140 accounts with ~12,832 active), the city’s high adoption of Express Bill Pay (~80% of accounts) and a modest IT capital ask (~$70,000) for server and resilience upgrades. Clerk, HR and other departments presented smaller staffing or operating items and personnel proposals (including a proposed floating holiday and clothing/uniform allowances for employees).

Votes at a glance: - Case 26‑01‑DA (Seasons Creek development agreement modification): Denied by council after public hearing (see separate article). - Case 25‑04 (Decker annexation, ~4.87 acres to R2): Approved by council following a brief hearing and a voice vote. - Ordinance 2026‑16 (annexation of TH Holdings parcel): Approved by council after waiving three readings.

Next steps: council will take the presentations under consideration in its budget process. Staff will present consolidated fiscal options at the next workshop, and the tentative budget will be scheduled for adoption on the July meeting date noted in the finance calendar.