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Council adopts tentative FY2026–27 budget for publication amid rising insurance and medical costs
Summary
Council adopted a tentative budget to publish for public review, with staff noting major cost pressures (liability insurance +25%, employee medical premiums +13%) and a planned public hearing on Aug. 26 and final adoption in September.
The Rathdrum City Council voted to adopt the tentative fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget for publication, setting the document's proposed spending ceiling ahead of a public hearing and final adoption next month. Finance Director Jody explained the budget process and assumptions and said staff had set the public hearing for Aug. 26 with final submission deadlines tied to county reporting.
"Property taxes — fiscal year '25 is our last complete year — so we received $3,900,000 property taxes," Finance Director Jody said while walking council through revenue and expenditure categories. Leon (City Manager) and staff highlighted three unusual cost pressures: a projected 25% increase in liability insurance premiums, an estimated $93,000 (13%) rise in employee medical premiums and a projected $35,000 increase in utilities. Councilors discussed options to trim the tentative ceiling before the public hearing; staff said the tentative budget is the ceiling and that council can propose reductions for the public process.
