Pocatello City Council Work Session 11 12 26

The Pocatello City Council work session on November 12, 2026, included updates on public-safety funding, city contracts, capital maintenance, and budget priorities. Fire Union representatives said they are working with Bannock County commissioners toward a possible May 2027 ambulance levy, which has not yet been approved for the ballot. The levy could fund full-time ambulance coverage in South County and another ambulance in Chubbuck, while also helping cover county dispatch services. Police officials estimated dispatch costs at about $525,000 annually and said the county currently pays nothing; they would accept $400,000 while discussing a path toward full funding. No levy or dispatch-funding vote occurred. The council also discussed the city’s Flock camera contract: officials cited a $120,000 cost, described additional safeguards and monthly audits, and heard differing views on renewal. One council member supported continuing the contract, while another said she would likely oppose renewal at the end of its term. No contract action was taken; quarterly updates were discussed.

Capital and economic-development updates included a proposed $75,000 annual funding plan for Greenway trail maintenance, with Pocatello, Chubbuck, and Bannock County each contributing about $25,000 and potential matching support from the Portneuf Health Trust. Trail work is underway, including the AMI–Kirkham trail, though paving may be delayed until spring. An airport master-plan consultant has been contracted with Port District Authority funding, and the city is finalizing a work plan with the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess a grant-supported, public-private transload facility. The city has paused plans to hire an internal economic development director while supporting the Port Valley Development Corporation’s work. The council also reviewed a proposed FY2028 budget-planning calendar; no procurement awards or purchasing approvals were made.