Caldwell, Idaho Development News
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2026/7/21 City Council Special Meeting
Published: Jul 21, 2026
City Council Approves Budget Adjustments, Adds Police/Fire Positions, and Revises City Hall Improvement Funding
The council discussed the city's budget, including adjustments for police and fire departments, sewer extensions, city hall improvements, and the overall fund balance. Key decisions included adding two new police positions (one unfreezing a previous position) and implementing $2 an hour raises for sergeants and below, funded in part by the 1% increase. Six new fire positions were approved to staff the new fire station, with a staggered hiring approach planned for July 1 and continuing into the next fiscal year. The $800,000 for the sewer extension to Canyon County property was removed from the budget and returned to the sewer fund. City hall improvement funding was reduced from $700,000 to $200,000, with a request for an additional $50,000 to cover potential cost overruns. The projected general fund balance for 2027 is $1.1 million, leaving approximately $14 million in savings. The budget also includes an 85-cent citywide cost of living adjustment (COLA) for most city staff, with police and fire personnel receiving slightly more. Discussions also touched upon the fire department contract negotiations, which were nearing completion, and the allocation of property tax revenue between police and fire departments, with a near-even split proposed.
10th Avenue Overlay Project to Include ADA Compliance and Left-Turn Restrictions
The council reviewed plans for the 10th Avenue overlay project, led by ELTAC. This project will include repaving a section of 10th Avenue between the railroad bridge and the interstate. Key improvements involve making sidewalks ADA compliant, upgrading sidewalk crossings, and restricting left turns along this corridor to enhance safety. Businesses will need to adjust to limitations on left turns into driveways, with access restricted to road intersections. The project aims to create a safer corridor, aligning with national and ADA standards. Property owner agreements are required for ELTAC to proceed with the project this fiscal year, with a deadline of August 1st. Public outreach regarding the project and its impacts on businesses will be conducted in coordination with the city's economic development and community outreach teams.
Council Explores Public Safety Levy and Fire District Formation for Increased Funding
The council discussed the potential for a public safety levy and forming a separate fire district as strategies to address funding needs, particularly for public safety services. They examined different levy options, including a temporary override levy (requiring 50%+1 voter approval) and a permanent levy increase (requiring 60% voter approval up to a certain threshold). The city's current low levy rate was noted as a factor in considering these options. The timing for proposing such a levy was debated, with suggestions to test the waters in November or aim for a May election. The complexities of property tax levies, including caps and the lag between election and revenue generation, were detailed. The fire district formation was presented as a way to capture revenues beyond the city's 8% levy cap, with an understanding that county commissioner approval is typically granted for such districts. Discussions also included the impact of new construction on levy capacity and the need for future planning to ensure sustainability.
City Council Addresses Public Safety Staffing, Overtime, and Funding Mechanisms
The council extensively discussed public safety, particularly concerning police and fire departments. This included adding two new police positions and implementing raises for officers, as well as approving six new fire positions for the upcoming fire station, with a plan for staggered hiring. The significant issue of overtime costs for both departments due to staffing shortages and increased demands was highlighted. The police department's low officer-to-population ratio was noted, and efforts to convert overtime costs into full-time positions were discussed. The potential for a public safety levy or forming a separate fire district was debated as a means to increase funding and capacity, with considerations for voter approval thresholds and ballot timing. The city attorney's position, including a paralegal, was confirmed as included in the budget, with council members expressing the need for legal support given ongoing legal matters.
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The Caldwell News archive
2026/7/23 - URA Budget Workshop
Special Board Meeting and Board Training
2026/7/20 - City Council Workshop
2026/7/20 - City Council Meeting
2026/7/15 - City Council Budget Workshop
2026/7/14 Hearing Examiner Meeting
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