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minutes meeting date 2026-06-02 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 30632 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING JUNE 2, 2026 On AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: ROLL CALL Mayor Mark Dahlquist called the City Council Budget Development meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols, Hayden Paulsen and Ann Swanson. Council member Stacy Satterfield was excused. Chief Financial Officer, Rich Morgan, gave an overview of the budget materials, highlighting the addition of a new payroll-to-revenue ratio analysis included in the budget report. Mr. Morgan explained that the new metric measures total base wages in relation to City revenues and is intended to provide another tool for evaluating organizational efficiency and labor market trends. He noted that this information would also be incorporated into the Treasurer's Report going forward. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Morgan confirmed that the information reflected base wages only. He explained that the earlier ratio measured payroll against total expenditures, while the new analysis compares payroll to revenues, providing a different perspective on the City's financial position. Mayor Dahlquist added that the previously presented ratio did include employee benefits. Mr. Morgan confirmed that an analysis which breaks down the payroll ratios by department would be beneficial and could be explored in the future, providing additional insight into departmental operations and staffing levels. Mr. Morgan added that the metrics should be viewed together as a range of indicators rather than relying on a single measure to assess the City's financial health. Mayor Dahlquist announced that Agenda Item No. 8 would be considered at this time. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Chief Roger Schei, Assistant Chief Eric Anderson and Amy Teuscher, Assistant to the Chief, were present to give an overview of the Police Department, including its mission, organizational structure, operations, accomplishments, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, staffing and strategic priorities. Chief Schei reviewed the department's mission and emphasized its commitment to public safety, professional policing and community partnerships. He reported that the department currently consists of 101 sworn officer positions and 46 civilian support staff. The department maintains Idaho Chiefs of Police Association (ICOPA) accreditation and operates Idaho's only Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) certified emergency medical dispatch center. He reviewed departmental operations, including Patrol, Investigations and Support Services. Chief Schei noted that although the City's service area has expanded through annexation, TypeA crime offenses declined approximately 9.75 percent during 2025. He compared Pocatello's crime statistics and case clearance rates with other Idaho communities, noting that the department continues to perform favorably despite serving an expanding jurisdiction. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 2 JUNE 2, 2026 In response to a question from Council regarding why some criminal cases remain uncleared, Assistant Chief Anderson explained that cases may remain open due to the inability to identify suspects, insufficient evidence, prosecutorial decisions or offenses such as vandalism that often lack investigative leads. Chief Schei outlined several strategic priorities, including modernization of communications technology, replacement of aging radios and body cameras, implementation of cloud-based systems, continued community engagement initiatives and long-term facility improvements. He explained that the department's radio system will soon exceed its expected service life and that Motorola will discontinue support for the existing equipment. Funding options, including grant opportunities and reserve funds, continue to be evaluated. Community engagement efforts highlighted included the Citizen Police Academy, school partnerships, town hall meetings, podcasts, Shop with a Cop, Handcuff Hunger, Touch-a-Truck, Give the Cops a Bird and other outreach programs. Chief Schei discussed long-term facility needs, noting that the current police facility is substantially smaller than recommended for a department of its size. Additional space is needed for equipment storage, specialized vehicles and future operational growth. Reviewing the proposed budget, Chief Schei explained that most operating expenditures consist of personnel costs and internal service charges allocated by other City departments. Theron Hill, Finance Department, reviewed how interdepartmental cost allocation formulas are calculated for administrative services, fleet, information technology, facilities and other shared services. Council discussion continued regarding internal service allocations, staffing vacancies, budget transparency and the methodology used to distribute indirect costs among City departments. Chief Schei discussed staffing challenges, recruitment efforts, lateral officer hiring, increases in law enforcement training costs, succession planning and national trends affecting police recruitment and retention. He explained that although several sworn positions remain vacant, the department continues active recruitment and emphasized the importance of maintaining authorized staffing levels to ensure officer and public safety. Council Members discussed the City's overall approach to budgeting vacant positions and balancing personnel costs with service expectations. Mayor Dahlquist stated that broader staffing and budget reduction discussions should occur after reviewing the complete citywide budget rather than evaluating individual departmental vacancies in isolation. Chief Schei concluded by emphasizing the department's responsibility to provide safe and effective public safety services and expressed appreciation for the Council's continued support. Mayor Dahlquist called a recess at 10:19 a.m. Mayor Dahlquist reconvened the meeting at 10:30 a.m. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 3 JUNE 2, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO: 2: MARSHALL PUBLIC LIBRARY: Eric Suess, Library Director, presented an overview of the Marshall Public Library, including the department's mission, organizational structure, services, accomplishments, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and future goals. He reviewed the Library's organizational structure, including Administration, Youth Services, Public Services and Technical Services and discussed staffing levels. Mr. Suess noted exceptional efficiencies with a lower staff ratio than many libraries while remaining open six days per week, sixty hours each week and maintaining safe staffing on both floors. Mr. Suess highlighted the Library's 2025 accomplishments, including record circulation levels, internet usage, patron interactions, story time attendance, meeting room utilization and library card registrations. He emphasized that the library serves as a community resource well beyond traditional book lending, by participating in community events such as Lunch in the Parks, health fairs and outreach programs that provide library services to individuals unable to visit the facility. Reviewing the proposed budget, Mr. Suess stated that increasing costs for library materials, particularly electronic resources, continue to place pressure on operating expenses. He explained that the department has worked to balance its budget through attrition by leaving a recent vacancy unfilled and eliminating a page position rather than reducing existing staff. In response to questions from Council about the Library's dedicated tax levy, Mr. Suess explained that Idaho law requires the Library's levy revenue to remain dedicated solely to library operations and cannot be diverted for other City purposes. He stated that user fees have had very few increases and library cards remain free for Pocatello residents. Chief Financial Officer Rich Morgan noted that the property tax revenue reflected in the budget represents the Library's dedicated levy and offered to providea breakdown of City support versus dedicated library revenues. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: POCATELLO REGIONAL TRANSI Skyler Beebe, Pocatello Regional Transit Director, presented an overview of Pocatello Regional Transit, including the department's mission, organizational structure, services, accomplishments, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and future goals. Mr. Beebe explained that Pocatello Regional Transit is the second-largest public transit agency in Idaho and the only agency in the state providing the full range of urban, rural, senior and disabled transportation services. He reviewed the department's various Federal Transit Administration grant programs, including Sections 5307, 5310, 5311 and 5339, which fund operations, capital purchases, bus stop improvements and vehicle replacements. The department currently employs approximately 55 employees and provides nearly 200,000 passenger trips annually, averaging approximately 1,000 passenger trips each day. Mr. Beebe highlighted recent accomplishments, including receiving additional grant funding originally awarded to Idaho Falls for bus stop improvements, implementation of real- time bus tracking and rider notification technology, bus purchases, continued operation without safety or security incidents and expansion of youth transit programs and travel training initiatives. He discussed ongoing efforts to improve the Alameda Transfer Station and noted that CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 4 JUNE 2, 2026 the planned purchase of six light-duty buses had been delayed until Fiscal Year 2027. Future projects include additional sidewalk improvements utilizing remaining grant funds. Reviewing the proposed budget, Mr. Beebe explained that both the Urban and Rural Transit funds remain largely supported through federal and state grants rather than through City tax revenues. He noted that operational expenses have remained relatively flat and explained that capital expenditures do not fully reflect anticipated grant reimbursements until funding is finalized. Councilmembers asked for clarification regarding the various funding sources and suggested future budget presentations clearly illustrate the amount of local taxpayer support compared to federal and state grant funding. In response to Council questions, Mr. Beebe explained that available advertising revenues, existing reserves and grant funding would offset projected operating differences without requiring additional taxpayer support. He explained that many capital projects, such as the Alameda Transfer Station, sidewalk improvements and bus purchases, carry forward from prior fiscal years until construction or procurement is completed. Mr. Beebe stated that federal regulations prohibit retaining excess operating revenues within the Urban Transit Fund, while Rural Transit funds may retain reserves for future capital purchases, such as bus replacements. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: POCATELLO REGIONAL AIRPORT: Alan Evans, Airport Manager, and Kristy Heinz, Management Assistant/Security Coordinator, presented an overview of the Pocatello Regional Airport, including the department's mission, organization, accomplishments, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and future capital improvement projects. Mr. Evans stated that the Airport's primary goal is to support economic development by growing commercial air service while providing safe, reliable aviation facilities for the community and region. He reviewed the department's organizational structure, staffing levels and the Airport's broad range of responsibilities, including compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, airfield maintenance, wildlife management, snow and ice removal, tenant management, security administration, grant administration and air service development. Mr. Evans reported that the Airport recently completed a successful FAA and TSA inspection and commended staff for maintaining high operational standards despite operating with a relatively small workforce. He highlighted several recent accomplishments, including completion of taxi lane improvements supporting future hangar development, rehabilitation of the secondary runway through crack sealing and seal coating, acquisition of additional snow removal and deicing equipment, transition to SkyWest commercial air service and continued progress toward construction of the new FAA Air Traffic Control Tower. Department goals include maintaining airport facilities, enhancing customer service, supporting economic development opportunities, expanding commercial and industrial aviation uses and pursuing infrastructure improvements through federal grant funding. Mr. Evans reviewed upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 projects, including additional hangar development, infrastructure improvements, runway rehabilitation planning and continued design work for future airport expansion. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 5 JUNE 2, 2026 Ms. Heinz reviewed the Airport's financial position, explaining that the Airport operates as a self- supporting enterprise fund primarily funded through leases, rentals, landing fees, passenger facility charges and grant revenues. She noted that increased revenues associated with wildfire activity and additional aircraft operations can vary significantly from year to year. Ms. Heinz explained that Airport revenues must remain within Airport funds and are reserved primarily to provide the required local match for large FAA-funded capital projects, such as the upcoming approximately $30 million runway rehabilitation project. In response to Council questions regarding maintenance responsibilities for roadways located on airport property, Public Works Director Tom Kirkman acknowledged that many of the roadways on airport property are deteriorating and discussed future maintenance considerations. He clarified that the roadways are not considered right-of-way, but are easements. Council discussion followed regarding Passenger Facility Charges, FAA discretionary grants, state aviation grants and long-term capital reserve planning. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Evans explained that while commercial passenger service remains important, significant opportunities also exist through industrial aviation, cargo operations, aircraft maintenance facilities, emergency response operations and additional hangar development utilizing the Airport's extensive available property. He discussed ongoing national efforts to preserve commercial air service at smaller regional airports through federal legislative actions. Mayor Dahlquist called a recess at 11:50 a.m. Mayor Dahlquist reconvened the meeting at 11:59 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Brent McLane, Planning and Development Services Director, and Becky Babb, Planning Manager, presented an overview of the Planning and Development Services Department, including its mission, current projects, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and future initiatives. Mr. McLane reviewed the department's ongoing responsibilities, including implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, coordination of development review activities, long-range planning, zoning administration and updates to Title 17 of the City Code. He reported that the department currently has four full-time employees and is fully staffed. Staff have assumed additional responsibilities while continuing to manage a significant number of active planning projects. Ms. Babb reviewed the proposed budget, explaining that the department generates only a limited amount of revenue through planning application and permit fees. Ms. Babb confirmed that unlike departments with dedicated levies, Planning and Development Services is primarily supported through the General Fund, with only a small portion of operating costs offset by planning fees. She noted that recent modifications to sign permitting fees resulted in only minimal additional revenue. The department's largest professional services expenditure is the multi-year project to comprehensively update the City's zoning ordinance through the development of a form-based code. Consultant selection is currently underway, with contract CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 6 JUNE 2, 2026 execution anticipated during the summer. She explained that the complexity of the project requires specialized consultant expertise beyond the capacity of existing staff. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Babb noted that, in an effort to maintain a flat budget, the department reduced its request for professional services funding by postponing updates to the River Vision Plan. She also reported that approximately $50,000 has been budgeted during the current fiscal year toward the estimated $200,000 cost to update Title 17 zoning code. In response to questions from Council, Mr. McLane stated that while fees could be increased modestly, they still would not recover the department's actual operating costs and could discourage development if set significantly higher than neighboring communities. He also noted that future consideration of impact fees could provide an additional funding source for growth- related infrastructure. Mr. McLane reported that the department processed approximately 200 planning applications during the previous year, including annexations, subdivisions, home occupations and other land use applications. Ms. Babb explained that while subdivision applications have decreased, development activity has shifted toward larger multifamily and commercial projects, resulting in a decline in planning fee revenues. Although those projects generate fewer subdivision fees, staff continue to review building permits for compliance with parking, landscaping, zoning and other development standards. Mr. McLane added that subdivision applications require additional public hearing processes and procedural steps compared to multifamily developments. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: GRANTS DIVISION / GRANT FUNDS / ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION Brent McLane, Planning and Development Services Director, and Christine Howe, Grants Administrator, presented an overview of the Grants Division, Grant Funds and Alternate Transportation Program. Ms. Howe explained that the department, formerly known as Neighborhood and Community Services, has expanded its responsibilities beyond Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration to pursue and manage a broader range of grant- funded projects benefiting departments throughout the City. The Grants Division currently consists of two full-time employees and a Public Outreach and Grant Coordinator position. Ms. Howe explained that personnel costs are largely reimbursed through grant funding, substantially reducing the department's impact on the General Fund. Professional services funding is budgeted primarily to provide required local matching funds for smaller grant opportunities, such as Certified Local Government historic preservation grants. Ms. Howe confirmed the department currently has one vacant Grant Compliance Analyst position. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Howe stated that financial oversight already includes multiple layers of review and auditing, and that the compliance position focuses primarily on monitoring grant subrecipients and ensuring contractual compliance rather than internal financial controls. She confirmed that existing staffing levels provide sufficient flexibility to pursue current opportunities, particularly when General Fund positions can assist with grant- funded projects. Ms. Howe noted that while additional grant opportunities exist, successful implementation also requires project management capacity and local matching funds. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 7 JUNE 2, 2026 Mr. McLane added that increasing the City's grant matching resources would improve its ability to compete for future grant funding opportunities. Ms. Howe explained that approximately $200,000 of the department's operating costs are supported by the General Fund, while approximately $301,000 in personnel expenses are reimbursed directly through grant programs. She added that grant administration funding is derived from several grant programs, including Community Development Block Grants, Brownfields, sidewalk improvement projects and related initiatives. Ms. Howe reviewed Grant Fund 081, explaining that the fund is entirely reimbursement-based and contains separate accounting for numerous federal, state and local grant programs. Revenues and expenditures are budgeted equally because reimbursement occurs as project expenditures are incurred. Approximately $9.2 million in grant-funded projects are anticipated during Fiscal Year 2027. Ms. Howe confirmed that the funding has been awarded and that many projects span multiple fiscal years due to grant implementation schedules. Ms. Howe clarified that the “debt service” line actually represents program income generated through repayment of Community Development Block Grant loans and does not represent traditional debt service. She provided updates on numerous grant-funded projects, including Community Development Block Grants, Brownfields assessment and job training, Lead Hazard Reduction, Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), Firewise, watershed restoration, Bureau of Reclamation projects, Parks and Trails grants, Simplot River Access improvements, Johnny Creek sewer improvements, Brady Chapel restoration, Terry First design work and several ongoing alternate transportation projects. Ms. Howe shared an overview of Fund 071, which supports alternate transportation improvements including sidewalks, pathways, curb and gutter improvements and Transportation Alternatives Program projects, such as the Brennan Trail, South 5th Avenue sidewalks and East Side sidewalk improvements. Mayor Dahlquist noted that the increasing number of successful grant applications demonstrates the importance of maintaining adequate staffing to administer grant reporting and compliance requirements throughout the life of each project. In response to a question from Council, Ms. Howe explained that City staff currently prepare grant applications in-house, often with assistance from Planning staff and student interns, providing a cost-effective approach while maintaining familiarity with City projects. Mr. McLane verified that while staffing remains adequate to manage current grants, matching fund availability and project management capacity across City departments continue to be important considerations when pursuing future grant opportunities. Mayor Dahlquist called a recess at 12:47 p.m. Mayor Dahlquist reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: ANIMAL SHELTER Liam Hughes, Animal Shelter Manager, presented an overview of the Animal Shelter, including recent operational improvements, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, facility needs and future CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 8 JUNE 2, 2026 initiatives. Mr. Hughes discussed the department's continued efforts to foster an "animal-first” culture while maintaining high standards of care despite increasing workloads. He explained that staffing ratios have changed substantially over time, requiring employees to care for significantly more animals while continuing to provide adoption counseling, cleaning, medical care and facility maintenance. He outlined ongoing efforts to address deferred maintenance within the shelter, including a multi-year project to improve drainage systems and reduce areas where disease can develop. Additional planned capital improvements include acquisition of a commercial dishwasher to improve sanitation and installation of customer kiosks to provide information regarding available animals and shelter services. Mr. Hughes also discussed expanded educational programming designed to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce future shelter populations through community outreach. Reviewing the proposed budget, Mr. Hughes stated that the department has worked to maintain a flat operating budget despite increasing costs associated with salaries, facility maintenance and animal care. While the shelter generates some revenue through fees, it is not a significant revenue-generating department. Certain fees will be adjusted during FY2027 to better reflect operational costs. Mayor Dahlquist complimented the shelter staff on maintaining an exceptionally clean facility and recognized their dedication and professionalism. In response to a question from Council regarding the proposed purchase of a crematorium, Mr. Hughes explained that estimated costs have increased substantially due to inflation and supply chain impacts, with current estimates ranging from approximately $89,000 to $130,000. Approximately $74,000 has been reserved within Fund 078 toward the project. Mr. Hughes explained that the crematorium would improve environmental stewardship by eliminating burial of euthanized animals containing chemical agents, improve staff morale and potentially provide limited revenue opportunities through pet cremation services and partnerships with other agencies. Mr. Hughes clarified that while offering cremation services to the public could generate some revenue, it would not fully recover the cost of the equipment. In response to a question from Council regarding heating and cooling issues within the shelter, Mr. Hughes reported that portions of the facility continue to experience temperature control challenges due to original design limitations and that additional HVAC improvements may be necessary in the future. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: FIRE DEPARTMENT / AMBULANCE Interim Fire Chief Shane Grow and Administrative Services Manager Autumn Baker presented an overview of the Fire Department and Ambulance Division including departmental accomplishments, proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, capital needs and future operational planning. Chief Grow reviewed the department's mission, organizational structure and major accomplishments during the past year. Highlights included placing the new tiller truck into service, acquisition of a new brush truck, implementation of automatic aid agreements with the City of Chubbuck to improve emergency response, expansion of hazardous materials capabilities through state grant funding, participation in wildfire mitigation initiatives and continued partnerships with educational institutions providing paramedic and emergency medical services training opportunities. Chief Grow noted that budget constraints have required reductions in CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 9 JUNE 2, 2026 employee training during the current year, with training hours declining significantly due to increasing operating costs such as fuel, tires, maintenance and equipment. He emphasized that ongoing training remains essential to maintaining emergency response capabilities. Ms. Baker explained that the Fire Department's operating budget remains largely unchanged, with no new personnel requests and no current vacancies. Personnel costs are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) through 2028, while health insurance costs remain subject to annual adjustments. Chief Grow stated the proposed capital budget includes replacement of a Battalion Chief vehicle, station furniture, roof repairs at Fire Station No. 3 and continued improvements to the Teel Building at 422 East Clark Street. He discussed anticipated long-term capital replacement needs, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems, fire engines and other major apparatus that will require replacement over the next several years. He emphasized the importance of developing a long-term funding strategy for these significant expenditures. In response to a question from Council regarding annual call volumes, Chief Grow reported that during Fiscal Year 2025 the department responded to approximately 9,775 total incidents, including approximately 1,596 fire-related calls and more than 8,100 emergency medical service responses. Ms. Baker explained that several capital priorities have been reprioritized in order to maximize available funding and utilize reserves generated through wildland fire deployments. In response to a question from Council regarding the Fire Department's apparatus reserve fund, Ms. Baker explained that revenues generated through wildland deployments may be transferred into Fund 075 through budget amendments to support future apparatus replacement and major capital purchases. In response to a question from Council regarding the department's apparatus replacement schedule, Chief Grow explained that while there is currently no formal staggered replacement program, the department recognizes the importance of developing one to avoid replacing multiple fire engines simultaneously as equipment ages. Council discussion included the significant increase in fire apparatus costs, current manufacturer lead times and opportunities to reduce costs through standardized equipment specifications. Ms. Baker reviewed the Ambulance Division budget, explaining that personnel costs are allocated between Fire and Emergency Medical Services based upon employee assignments. She noted that ambulance operations are intended to recover operating costs rather than generate a profit, with funding provided through ambulance district revenues, transport fees and payments received from Bannock County. Council Members discussed the financial relationship between the City and Bannock County regarding ambulance and dispatch services. Mayor Dahlquist explained that the City continues to work collaboratively with County officials to address long-term funding challenges associated with dispatch operations, ambulance capital replacement and increasing emergency medical service demands. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 10 JUNE 2, 2026 Ms. Baker reported that the proposed ambulance services agreement is currently under legal review and is expected to be finalized later in the year. Additional Council discussion addressed emergency medical responses that do not result in patient transport, the inability to recover costs in those situations under current reimbursement regulations and ongoing efforts to identify sustainable funding solutions. Mayor Dahlquist announced that the next Budget Development meeting would be June 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Dahlquist adjourned the meeting at 1:52 p.m. APPROVED: tw. Que MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR
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