City of Jerome | minutes | meeting 2026-08-04 | City Council Regular Meeting source: https://www.ci.jerome.id.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08042026-780 August 4, 2026 This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor Barber at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was also held by teleconference, conducted via Zoom, and was made available to all members of the public in a format that allowed all participants to hear the meeting, including all deliberations by members of the Council and other speakers addressing the council, whether in person or via virtual connection, and to comment if so desired, all of which was noted in the agenda, email, and notices at council chambers and on the city’s website. Present: Mayor Christopher Barber, Councilman Jason Peterson, Councilman Bryan Craig, Councilman Dale Ross, and Councilwoman Jeri Ahrens. Also present were staff members: City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz, Legal Counsel Ted Larsen, City Administrator Mike Williams, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, Accounting and Budget Manager Lori McCrae, Planning and Zoning Manager Ida Clark, Human Resources Director Esmeralda Chavez, IS Director Carlos Hernandez, Deputy Fire Chief Lane Sickles, Police Chief Duane Rubink, and Library Director Julie Poor. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Barber led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION: An invocation was given by Pastor John Kelley with the High Desert Christian Church. MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE SATURDAY EVENT IN TWIN FALLS. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: • Approve the minutes of the July 21, 2026 regular meeting and July 21, 2026 executive session • Approve Findings and Conclusions for Ellie’s Landing Planned Unit Development Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented.. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilwoman Ahrens, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. TENTATIVE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET: Councilman Barber advised those in attendance that any citizen issues pertaining to the proposed budget would be heard after Mr. Hyatt’s presentation. Mr. Hyatt appeared before the Council to present the FY2026-27 budget, and he stated that Idaho Code requires that the City Council approve a tentative budget. He further stated that Council may increase or decrease the budget but, once it is passed, the tentative budget can only be decreased. Mr. Hyatt reviewed the budget calendar including the adoption of the tentative budget and setting maximum expenditures this evening and the public hearing to adopt the final budget and appropriations ordinance for FY2026-27 on August 18th for an amount not to exceed $29,960.576. He spoke of the increase in the City’s total taxable value to $1.4 million, and staff’s recommendation to take the 3% budget growth increase of approximately $214,000, the new construction property tax budget of $115,000, and the allowable 1% allowable budget increase from foregone revenues of $75,000. Mr. Hyatt reviewed property tax scenarios along with 2025 net levy rate comparisons. He noted that reserves are healthy within each fund with the exception of the sanitation fund (contracted service with PSI). Highlights of the items included within the budget were reviewed. Mr. Barber reviewed the meeting guidelines for attendees, and stated that research was conducted regarding Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR’s) listed in the budget and recommended that the discussion be respectful. One attendee appeared before the Council to speak in opposition of the proposed ALPR subscription. He stated a contract was signed in 2025 but not presented to the public, and during the last presentation the attendee stated that staff shifted the discussion away from the budget item. He spoke of a violation in human rights and recent abuse of the system by a Jerome County sheriff. He requested that all use of the system be paused and offline until the community has had the opportunity to vote on their use. Chief Rubink provided information regarding the Flock system and stated the agreement was included in the FY2025-26 budget. He stated the cameras are a tool for the police department to do their jobs more efficiently, and he spoke of a case with a positive outcome due to the use of the system and tracking vehicle information in areas outside of Jerome. Chief Rubink further stated the system has well-drafted safe guards to prevent abuse and noted that the recent issue with the sheriff were a clear indication that the system was working as designed. He described their operation (captures photos and stores them for sharing with other agencies) and stated approximately 139 cameras throughout the state of Idaho are currently in use in both public and private businesses (i.e. stores). Chief Rubink stated the cameras are vital to public safety, and that the annual subscription is listed in the budget. Extensive discussion ensued, and topics of the discussion included: access to the system by all members of the police department; required training on the system prior to use; following the police department policy when using the system; required audits biannually or quarterly per Chief’s requested; cause for termination if abuse is discovered; the subscription for the system in the FY2026-27 budget; the fact that there are no cameras installed within Jerome city limits; access to other cameras operated by other agencies via the subscription; $14,000, not $50,000, budgeted for the subscription; no agreements existing between the City of Jerome and any other agencies; the types of cameras (i.e. cameras placed on poles with solar panels to operate the camera) and their line of site (one-way traffic photos); photos, not videos, taken with the cameras; recording a case number, date, time and location of those utilizing the system for information; photos taken becoming the property of the company operating the system; city access to information limited to 28 days; the uncertainty of what happens to photos once they become the property of the company; the requirements to access the system (i.e. probable cause of a crime, a case number associated with the potential crime, the reason for accessing the information, and the ability to restrict access to information; misuse tracked through audits, and the option of having a local citizen assist with reviewing the audits on a quarterly basis; the system as designed for tracking vehicles and not pedestrians or those within vehicles; the option of obtaining a traffic pattern analysis with the system; private companies’ ability to sell information within their system; and, data collection with other devices i.e. cell phones, the Alexa system, etc.. Mr. Larsen spoke about the legal ramifications of the system’s use, and stated the tool is valuable but the law on their constitutionality is unsettled at this time. Small, contained networks contained within the jurisdiction could be upheld as constitutional without issue. However, those that are broad and connected to the larger network whereby jurisdictions are connected across broader geographical areas i.e. entire Magic Valley or State of Idaho, cross into a more sustained search and could be troublesome. Mr. Larsen stated that license plate numbers are not private and that there is no expectation of privacy on a public road. He further stated none of the appellate courts in Idaho had ruled on these issues nor had the United State Supreme Court. Mr. Larsen stated there continues to be heated discussions on which way the courts will go on the larger networks that connect several jurisdictions. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Larsen stated that he would be comfortable with cameras in Jerome if not connected to a larger network although it is unclear what the value would be if not connected to a larger network. Councilman Peterson and Councilman Craig spoke of the new legislation that no longer requires front license plates, and Chief Rubink stated the cameras still take photos of the rear plates. Mr. Larsen stated Idaho criminalized misuse of the system by a public official, and the state legislature has put some additional guardrails in recognizing the tremendous power of the tool while trying to balance society’s protection. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Representative Mike Pohanka stated the issue would most likely be discussed at the next legislative session, specifically the misuse of the system. Additionally, Rep. Pohanka stated that the camera system is unlikely to be outlawed. He briefly spoke of an assault case where Flock cameras in various locations were used to track down the assailant of a crime. Extensive discussion ensued regarding the subject of Flock cameras, and topics included: pride in the Jerome Police Department; mass surveillance in data retention from Flock and the future (i.e. where information is shared); tracking criminals as they travel versus the information shared in the future; private entities that have cameras in place versus the government utilizing them; understanding that the concerns of the public are real; discussing whether to keep the budgeted funds for Flock cameras or reallocating those funds for other police department needs; the pros and cons of utilizing the Flock camera system and the need to explore them further; the potential abuse and legal issues that need to be examined; observing the future of their use in terms of court decisions and public opinion; the option of cancelling the existing subscription that allows the Jerome Police Department to access information from other local agencies; the effectiveness of the tool; tracking systems already in place (i.e. cellular phone use, etc.); personal use of a cellular phone by choice versus a camera system in public; supporting the police department while also recognizing that the power rests with the people; a positive relationship between City Council and the citizens they serve; advising the public to reach out to staff and/or City Council with questions or concerns; the need to stop misinformation on social media; additional questions about the Flock cameras and mass surveillance; and, considering private camera systems. Mr. Williams stated the purpose of this evening’s meeting was to approve the tentative budget, and he inquired if the $14,000 allotted for the Flock camera subscription should be reallocated under operations or removed entirely based on the discussion. Mayor Barber, Councilman Peterson, Councilman Ross and Councilwoman Ahrens stated suggested the budgeted funds should be reallocated to other department needs, and Councilman Craig stated the funds should be utilized for the continuation of the Flock system subscription. Mr. Williams confirmed that the funds would be reallocated to operations. Mr. Hyatt continued with the budget presentation of the Governmental funds and briefly reviewed the highlights in each fund including equipment purchases, operating expenses and future projects. Proprietary funds were also briefly reviewed. Mr. Hyatt spoke of the recommended rate increases in the wastewater, water and irrigation funds. He spoke of salaries and benefits and stated that a 22% increase in health insurance premiums is including in the budget along with a 4% salary increase to those employees who have met or exceeded expectations on annual evaluations. There are currently 109.25 full time employees (.25 accounts for fluctuations in full time and part time personnel in the library) plus two extra police department positions with the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant. Mr. Hyatt concluded by stating the total budget for FY2026-2027 will be $29,960,576, and the total impact to the average homeowner will decrease slightly from last year. This includes the 4% recommended increase for sanitation services based off of forecasted inflation rates. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Williams stated, per the current agreement with PSI, they are entitled to take 100% of the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI), and this is budgeted. Additionally, the two new positions in the police department will be partially covered by the COPS grant. Mayor Barber thanked Mr. Hyatt and Ms. McCrae for their efforts in preparing the budget. (bottom of page left blank intentionally) 314,857 256,762 Total General Fund $6,824,759 $7,133,710 $7,688,741 Fund 2024-25 BUDGET 2025-26 BUDGET 2026-27 PROPOSED Street $9,029,373 $17,036,239 $6,286,167 Library 567,774 609,749 568,747 Park 1,325,112 365,339 402,791 Irrigation 221,330 288,847 243,680 Sanitation 476,892 497,715 540,501 Water 6,102,331 3,790,932 4,316,993 Sewer 13,996,251 12,109,558 9,912,956 Total Expenditures $38,543,822 $41,832,089 $29,960,576 I, Ross Hyatt, Finance Director of the City of Jerome, Idaho, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct statement of the proposed expenditures and revenues for fiscal year 2026-27 all of which have been tentatively approved and entered at length in the Journal of Proceedings. I further certify that the City of Jerome, Idaho did give notice for said hearing with notice having been published twice at least seven days apart prior to the adoption of the budget by the City Council. Citizens are invited to attend the budget hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 5:30 P.M. and have the right to provide written or oral comments concerning the entire city budget. A copy of the proposed city budget in detail is available at City Hall for inspection during regular office hours 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Dated this 8 th day of August, 2026. Ross Hyatt, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, Finance Director Expenditures Notice of Public Hearing City of Jerome Tentative Budget Revenues Property Tax Budget Expenditures NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho will hold a public hearing for the consideration of the proposed budget for the fiscal period October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-1002, Idaho Code. Said hearing will be held at the City Council Chambers, 100 East Ave. A, Jerome, Idaho at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. At said hearing all interested persons may appear and show cause, if any they have, why said proposed budget should not be adopted. The following is an estimate set forth of said proposed budget of the total proposed expenditures and accruing indebtedness of the City of Jerome, Idaho, for the fiscal period October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, and is shown below as FY 2026-27 proposed revenues and expenditures. Fund 2024-25 BUDGET 2025-26 BUDGET 2026-27 PROPOSED General $6,822,389 $7,033,710 $7,668,741 Street 7,127,852 14,016,239 6,286,215 Library 567,774 609,749 568,747 Park 1,325,112 365,339 402,791 Irrigation 216,415 231,347 244,919 Sanitation 476,892 497,715 546,895 Water 5,080,736 3,790,932 4,296,809 Wastewater 10,620,030 11,268,425 9,618,209 Existing Fund Balance 6,383,501 7,599,610 653,738 Total Revenues $38,620,701 $45,413,066 $30,287,064 2024-25 BUDGET 2025-26 BUDGET 2026-27 PROPOSED Property Tax Revenue $6,661,089 $7,126,565 $7,445,975 Foregone Property Tax Revenue 65,943 70,615 74,616 Total of All Other Revenues $31,893,669 $38,215,886 $22,766,473 Fund 2024-25 BUDGET 2025-26 BUDGET 2026-27 PROPOSED General Legislative $100,148 $107,168 $122,357 Executive 16,950 17,305 28,144 Administration 1,138,987 1,218,639 1,362,235 Law Enforcement 3,042,430 3,162,549 3,390,309 Fire 2,099,664 2,169,512 2,381,732 Building 220,998 143,680 147,202 Animal Control 205,582 Councilman Craig made the motion to adopt the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Tentative Budget with the maximum appropriation of $29,960,576 and authorize the clerk to publish the notice scheduling the public hearing for August 18, 2026 at 5:30 P.M. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilwoman Ahrens, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. PROCLAMATION – FIREFIGHTER/MDA FILL THE BOOT DAY: The clerk read the proclamation in full: CITY OF JEROME Proclamation The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a dedicated partnership of scientists and citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases. MDA is one of the world’s leading national health agencies, supporting research, patient care and education. WHEREAS, IAFF Jerome Fire Fighters Local #4589 and the City of Jerome Fire Department members serve and protect communities throughout Jerome County every day; and WHEREAS, IAFF Jerome Fire Fighters Local #4589 and the City of Jerome Fire Department members have become a symbol of pride, honor and strength; and WHEREAS, IAFF Jerome Fire Fighters Local #4589 and the City of Jerome Fire Department members unselfishly donate their time and energy to supporting the battle against muscular dystrophy, and WHEREAS, fire fighters across the nation are some of the largest supporters in the United States to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and NOW THEREFORE I, Christopher J. Barber, Mayor of the City of Jerome, do hereby proclaim August 15th 2026: FIRE FIGHTER/MDA FILL THE BOOT DAY IN JEROME and urge all citizens to recognize firefighters for their support of the local community SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 4th day of August, 2026. /s/ Christopher J. Barber CHRISTOPHER J. BARBER, Mayor Council signified support of the proclamation with unanimous “ayes.” IAFF Jerome Fire Fighters Local #4589 President, Fire Engineer Wilcox, stated that fundraising efforts will take place at Founder’s Park during Joe Mama’s Car Show. FY2026-27 CITY OF JEROME BENEFITS PACKAGE: Ms. Chavez spoke of the proposed benefits package and stated the Employee Benefits Committee met several times to revivew renewal options provided by HUB Insurance for all employee benefit plans. She stated proposals were reviewed by PacificSource, Blue Cross, Select Health and St. Luke’s. All carriers proposed significant increases: Pacific Source came in at 35%. The Benefits Committee also reviewed medical quotes from Blue Cross, Select Health and St. Luke’s. Blue Cross presented a quote with a 22.3% increase and a 10% rate cap for next year’s renewal, St. Luke’s proposed a quote with a 23.5% increase and a 9% rate cap for next year’s renewal, and Select Health proposed a quote with a 28.2% increase. In evaluating options, the review committee considered renewal increases, the plan design, employee impact, and access to providers. Ms. Chavez spoke of both the PPO and HSA plans offered to employees, and briefly reviewed the comparisons between PPO and HSA plans. She also spoke of the two discounts offered to employees if they certify as being tobacco free and complete an annual preventative wellness exam. Recommendations for FY2026-27 include the following: • Move to Blue Cross for medical coverage, offering both PPO and HSA options • Continue with Blue Cross for both dental plans, PPO and Willamette • Continue with MetLife for life insurance, long-term disability, and vision coverage • Continue with E Benefits for administration of the Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA), COBRA, and deducible buy-down programs • Continue with BPA Health for administration of the Employee Assistance Program • Maintain the $50 monthly medical premium for employees, with potential reduction to $0 for meeting wellness and tobacco-free criteria • Maintain the $300 HRA wellness contribution for employees, and covered spouses, who complete their annual wellness exam Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Rhonda Bartholomew stated the committee selected the best options for the city and that efforts were made to get a competetive quote from Blue Cross. Councilwoman Ahrens made the motion to approve the benefits package for medical, dental, life, long-term disability, and vision insurances; approve E Benefits Administration to administer the FSA, HRA, HSA, COBRA, and the deductible buy down program; approve BPA Health to administer the Employee Assistance Program and authorize the Mayor to execute the contracts. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilwoman Ahrens, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. TENTATIVE AMENDMENT TO THE 2025-26 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET: Mr. Hyatt spoke of revenues that were received but not anticipated in FY2025-26 and stated a budget amendment is required in order to expend those funds. Specific revenues include Freedom Fest donations, Shop with a Cop donations, Idaho Gem Grant funds, Smile Grant funds and the DEQ forgivable loan distribution. Mr. Hyatt recommended that the tentative amendment to the FY2025-26 budget in the amount of $1,750,709 be approved. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDING THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET NOTICE IS HERESY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho vall hold a public hearing for the consideration of an amendment to the budget for the fiscal period October 1, 2025 through Septernber 30, 2026 by appropriating moneys from existing reserves in the amount of $1,750,708. Said hearing will be held at the City Council Charnbers, 100 East Ave. 4, Jerome, Idaho at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Al said hearing all interested persons may appear and show cause, ifany they have, why said proposed budget armmendment should not be adapted. The folloving table shows the current year adopted budget in comparison te the propesed amendment for the fiscal period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Revenues 2025-26 2025-26 2025-26 Actual as of Adopted Proposed Fund 6/30/26 Budget Amendment General 4,620,116 7,033,710 7,047,100 Sintec 7,669 604 14,016,239 14,105,727 Library 346,806 6Oo, 749 604,749 Park 794,481 365,339 365,339 irrigation 227,155 231,547 231,347 Sanitation 384,742 497,715 497,715 Wit best 3,913,791 3,790,932 5,483 Fob Wastewater 9,283,683 11,268,425 11,768,425 Existing Fund Balance 7.599.610 7599 610 Total Revenues 22,240,378 45,413,066 47,163 775 Property Tax Budget 2025-26 2025-26 2025-26 Adopted Proposed Actual Budget Amendment Property Tax Revenue 4,152,501 7.126565 7,126,565 Foregone Praperty Tax Revenue 70,615 70,615 Total of All Other Revenue 18,087 877 38,215,886 39,966,595. Councilman Peterson made the motion to approve the tentative amendment to the 2025- 26 Fiscal Year Budget and approve publication of the Notice of Public Hearing. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilwoman Ahrens, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Craig inquired about contact made to the cemetery sexton regarding the issues with the contractor; if businesses are being assisted with access along Main Street (several have access from the alley, the Idaho Transportation Department will be providing ADA ramps to those with storefront access; no issues have been reported as of today’s date); curbing that was torn apart and will be replaced; who is responsible for determining what areas of curb and sidewalk are in need of replacement (a team of engineers made preliminary assessments a few Formatted: Space After: 0 pt years ago); the responsibility of the contractor to replace curbing or sidewalk that they potentially destroy while the city could assist if needed in the future; weekly meetings are held with the contractor as the project progresses; and, a missing sign at a local daycare facility on N. Lincoln (staff will check it). DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Williams introduced Julie Poor as the new library director. Originally from Boise, Ms. Poor stated she grew up in Middleton and has been working for the library system for over eighteen years. Mayor Barber welcomed Ms. Poor to the City Council meeting. Mr. Caton stated the chip sealing efforts have concluded, and note that there has been interest in the Yakima project; the bid opening is scheduled for August 20th. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Caton stated each bidder will have the opportunity to bid on asphalt or concrete, and Council will have the discretion of what material they prefer before selecting the lowest bidder. Mayor Barber spoke on the asphalt zipper work done between 10th and 16th and stated staff did a great job. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber adjourned this August 4, 2026 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:58 p.m. By: Christopher Barber, Mayor Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk