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Buhl council approves changes to BEDA bylaws, tables proposal to shift Costin Group fees to city
Summary
Council unanimously approved amendments to BEDA ordinance sections reducing councilor membership from three to two and setting $1 per-meeting compensation; a separate proposal to move the Costin Group's $1,500/month fee from BEDA to the city general fund was discussed and tabled pending more information.
The Buhl City Council on Aug. 5 approved amendments to Chapter 31 of the Buhl Code updating the Buhl Economic Development Authority (BEDA) membership and compensation rules. The adopted changes reduce the number of city councilors serving on BEDA from three to two and specify that BEDA members will receive $1 for each attended meeting. Councilor Towner moved to approve the ordinance amendments, Councilor Kealy supported the motion, and the vote carried unanimously; the amendments were re-posted and published as required before final approval.
Earlier on the same agenda, the council considered whether the City should assume the ongoing municipal public relations and governmental-relations services currently paid by BEDA. The services are provided under a contract with the Costin Group through the end of 2026 at a rate of $1,500 per month for 2025 and 2026. BEDA recommended the city assume this expense. Council discussion noted that the historical reason BEDA bore the cost was not fully clear and that since BEDA and the City are closely related, cost-sharing or further information would be appropriate before changing who pays. A motion by Councilor Kealy to transfer the expense, effective Sept. 1, 2025, was supported but later rescinded as members asked staff to provide more financial details; the item was tabled.
Administrator Tony Jeffries provided an overview of BEDA's financial structure and operations and council members asked that highlights of the discussion be forwarded to BEDA for additional consideration prior to returning the item to the council.
