2026/6/18 - City Council Budget Workshop

The City of Caldwell held a City Council Budget Workshop on June 18, 2026, focusing extensively on departmental budget updates and capital projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the airport's fiscal year 2027 budget request of $2.8 million, heavily supported by a $2 million federal grant for a new control tower project. The council discussed the need for an RFQ to select an architect for the tower's design and engineering, emphasizing the importance of qualified contractors due to the project's long-term impact. The airport also highlighted challenges with electrical infrastructure and hangar development, with plans to increase lease revenues and property tax contributions. The fire department presented budget considerations including personnel costs, overtime, capital equipment needs, and the potential transition to a fire district under new state legislation, which could affect future funding and tax levies. The council debated timing and financial implications of forming a fire district versus pursuing a public safety levy, noting deadlines for ballot measures and the need for further workshops to explore governance and funding models. The library also presented its FY27 budget, proposing a new adult services assistant position and introducing passport services as a new revenue source. Overall, the meeting involved detailed budget allocations, capital improvement planning, grant funding strategies, and procurement planning for major projects like the airport control tower.