Boise City Council - Evening Session

The Boise City Council held an evening session on July 15, 2026, focusing primarily on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, including public hearings on property tax authority, fee changes, and development impact fee updates. The council discussed the budget's allocation of $347.8 million in expenditures, emphasizing investments in deferred maintenance, public safety, parks, libraries, and capital projects such as the airport concourse and water renewal. Notably, the budget includes a 2.7% property tax increase, below the 3% maximum, and allocates $2 million in seed funding for a new library branch in West Boise. The council also approved funding for a community solar pilot project aimed at supporting low-income residents and addressing climate change. Public testimony highlighted support for the budget's focus on deferred maintenance, community solar, and library expansion, as well as concerns about police response policies. The council unanimously approved the budget, fee changes, and development impact fee adjustments, reflecting a balanced approach to maintaining services and infrastructure amid rising costs and legislative constraints.