Buhl council debates 2026 levy, weighs cuts to street and recreation budgets

Buhl — At a Dec. 12 working session at Buhl City Hall, the Buhl City Council reviewed the proposed 2026 budget and debated ways to lower a preliminary 4.3% levy toward a target near 2.88%, but did not set a final levy.

Finance Manager Dianna Thronson told the council that a $170 campground license fee contributed to the levy projection of 4.3%, making it harder to reach the lower 2.88% target. Thronson also said increases in insurance costs limit the city’s ability to cut further from the recreation department’s budget.

Councilor Denise Kealy said she was unhappy that the Gas and Oil fund had previously been reduced by $1,500 for street and snow control and questioned additional cuts to essential maintenance. Two audience members, Mel Staffaroni and Cheryl Kivi, asked why the street department was being considered for reductions instead of the recreation department; Thronson responded that the recreation budget faces insurance-driven constraints.

Councilor Tanya Teska-Erickson asked whether Essentia pays rent on the old fire hall. Thronson said the contract signed in 2022 included a provision for a financial review after two years, and that review has not been completed; Teska-Erickson said it should be completed in the future.

Councilor Randy Towner cautioned against certifying a levy that is too low, saying the city has future projects and could fall behind without sufficient revenue. Thronson said she would look into potential fuel discounts from Cenex and the Buhl Shortstop as one way to trim operating costs. Councilors noted that adding $1,000 back into the street and snow removal fund would bring the certified levy amount to $447,920; Teska-Erickson said a 2.88% levy appeared unrealistic.

No formal levy decision was recorded at the working session. The council approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session and adjourned at 6:36 p.m.; both procedural motions passed unanimously.