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Citizen Portal News Idaho
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The Coeur d'Alene City Council just approved a major change that slashes the probation period for lateral police hires from 18 months to just 12!

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#CoeurKootenaiCounty #ID #CoeurDAlenePolice #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PersonnelManagement #CommunityInput
Council approves personnel rule changes, shortens probation for lateral police hires
The Coeur d'Alene City Council on Nov. 18 approved Resolution 25-062 to consolidate probation language into Rule 10 and shorten the probationary period for lateral police officers from 18 to 12 months while keeping entry-level recruits at 18 months; the Police Association and department leadership had reviewed the change.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:21 AM
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Lakeland School District's enrollment hits an unexpected high, but daily attendance shortfalls are costing the district millions—what does this mean for the future?

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#ID #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentGrowth #EducationFunding #AttendanceIncentives
Lakeland reports stronger-than-expected enrollment but attendance shortfalls continue to cost millions
The Lakeland School District reported current enrollment of about 4,630 students, higher than projections and roughly even with last year, but district leaders warned that lower daily attendance — not enrollment — drove an estimated $2.3 million in lost state funding last year and remains the primary budget risk.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:10 AM
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Coeur d'Alene's wastewater treatment is set for a major upgrade with a new $814,600 engineering contract that will boost capacity and ensure continuous service—find out how this expansion will impact the Spokane River!

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#CoeurKootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal
Council approves $814,600 engineering contract for TMF expansion to boost wastewater treatment
The council approved a professional services agreement with J-U-B Engineering for $814,600 to design Phase 5C of the tertiary membrane filtration expansion, adding a sixth membrane train to increase capacity from roughly 5 million to 6 million gallons per day and provide redundancy; staff said the project is budgeted and targeted to be operational in 2028.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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Bonner County commissioners are shaping the future of remote work and land use near Priest Lake, balancing flexibility with community needs.

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#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #WorkplaceFlexibility #CommunityOutreach #BonnerCountyRemoteWork #LandUsePlanning
Bonner County commissioners debate remote-work policy and continue comprehensive plan revisions around Priest Lake
Commissioners discussed creating a formal remote-work policy with approval procedures and explored alternative flexible schedules; separately, the board continued deliberations on comprehensive plan map amendments around Priest Lake and proposed two new zoning districts to reconcile small residential lots and resort-commercial uses.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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Bonner County's HR Director reveals promising results from a recent biometric screening and highlights exciting updates on hiring and policy revisions that could shape the future of the county.

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#BonnerCounty #ID #HiringProcess #CitizenPortal #EmployeeWellness
Bonner County HR director reports biometric screening turnout, plans interviews and policy revisions
Bonner County’s Human Resources director told commissioners the county held a biometric screening with 39 attendees, will interview candidates for the vacant planning director post this week, and has sent a revised compensation policy to legal while drafting benefits and volunteer policies.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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In a controversial move, Mayor Jeremy Grama cast the tie-breaking vote to repeal Sandpoint's nondiscrimination ordinance after a heated public debate sparked by a YMCA incident.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SandpointHumanRights #CommunityEngagement
Sandpoint mayor pushes code change; council votes to replace city's nondiscrimination ordinance after extended public comment
After more than three hours of public comment on a proposed amendment prompted by a YMCA incident, the Sandpoint City Council adopted an ordinance repealing and replacing City Code 5-2-10. The council vote was tied and Mayor Jeremy Grama cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the ordinance under suspension of the rules.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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Rexburg City Council just approved a major step toward revitalizing an 840-acre area along West Highway 20, unlocking potential growth but highlighting the urgent need for public infrastructure investment.

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#RexburgCityMadisonCounty #ID #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal
Rexburg council approves urban renewal eligibility study for West Highway 20 district
The council approved Resolution 2025-12 accepting an urban renewal eligibility study for an ~840-acre West Highway 20 area after a consultant found 9 of 15 statutory criteria met, citing outmoded street patterns, multiple highway access points and faulty lot layouts that could impede future growth without public investment.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 10:35 AM
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Rexburg City Council is gearing up for a crucial public hearing on December 17 to discuss proposed water and sewer rate increases that could impact every household in the community.

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#RexburgCityMadisonCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #UtilityRates #CommunityEngagement #CapitalImprovement
Rexburg council sets Dec. 17 public hearing after utility rate study recommends staged water and sewer increases
Rexburg officials set a Dec. 17 public hearing after a consultant-recommended utility rate study found current revenues cover operations but not a five-year capital plan; staff proposed staged increases for water (8% Jan. 2026, 6% Oct. 2026) and sewer (8% Jan., 8% Oct.).
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 7:12 AM
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Sandpoint's Planning and Zoning Commission just postponed a crucial vote on short-term rental regulations after heated community debates on housing and neighborhood integrity.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy #RegulatoryReform #CommunityInput
Sandpoint commissioners delay decision on short-term rental overhaul after packed public hearing
After a lengthy presentation on proposed short-term rental code changes and more than an hour of public testimony, the commission voted to postpone action to Dec. 16 to further review occupancy and parking standards; staff said the draft removes the city's 35-unit non-owner cap to comply with recent Idaho court rulings while adding new enforcement and high-occupancy rules.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:35 AM
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Nampa's rapid growth is reshaping commutes and congestion, with a staggering $11 billion investment gap looming for the future of transportation.

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #TransitPlanning #NampaTransportation #CommunityGrowth
Compass chief outlines regional growth, transit study and funding shortfalls for Nampa area
Compass executive director Craig Rayborn told the Nampa City Council workshop that the metropolitan planning organization projects steady regional growth, a westward shift in jobs and housing, and large investment needs; he urged local coordination and legislative work to close a multibillion-dollar gap.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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The Hayden City Council's pivotal vote on the 2045 comprehensive plan update ended in a surprising 2–2 deadlock, leaving the future of the community's vision hanging in the balance.

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#HaydenCityKootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #LandUsePolicy
Hayden council votes 2–2 on 2045 comprehensive plan resolution after staff presentation
After a staff presentation and no public testimony, Hayden City Council recorded a 2–2 roll call on a resolution to adopt the 2045 comprehensive plan update and future land use map; the transcript shows two yes and two no votes and no immediate public comment. Council moved on to other business.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:05 AM
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A Bonner County resident raises urgent concerns about the safety of EMS personnel responding to mental health calls without police backup, prompting discussions on crucial training and grant opportunities.

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#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MentalHealthTraining
Resident urges caution on EMS-only mental-health responses; board highlights 988, training and a possible $350,000 SAMHSA grant
During public comment, Duane Martin urged the board not to send EMS to mental-health calls without law-enforcement backup; commissioners described plans to pursue 988 usage, CIT training and a potential SAMHSA grant to improve crisis response coordination.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 5:43 AM
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Nampa City Council’s recent vote for a 10% hike in domestic water rates has sparked intense debate about the city’s aging infrastructure and the potential costs of deferring repairs.

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #InfrastructureInvestment #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal
Nampa council approves 10% domestic water increase; irrigation raised 5% after split vote
After a two‑hour public hearing and extended council questioning, the Nampa City Council voted 4–3 to approve a 10% increase to domestic water rates effective Dec. 1, 2025; an initial 10% irrigation increase failed and council adopted a 5% irrigation increase, effective March 1, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 5:28 AM
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A heated debate is underway as the Lakeland District considers requiring parental consent for breathalyzer tests at student events—are parents ready for this change?

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#ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #StudentDiscipline #ParentalConsent
Committee debates breathalyzer consent in student-discipline policy and reconciling uniform grievance recommendations
Committee discussed adding parental consent language for breathalyzer screening at away events, recounted past incidents that raised concern, and debated how admin recommendations and attorney suggestions should be reconciled in the uniform grievance procedure.
citizenportal.ai
November 19, 2025 at 9:56 AM
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Nampa City Council just approved a 10% hike in domestic water rates and a 5% increase for irrigation after intense debate about aging infrastructure and maintenance needs.

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #WaterResourceManagement #PublicAccountability
Nampa council approves 10% domestic water increase, adopts 5% irrigation hike after debate
After a lengthy presentation and questions about aging pipes and deferred maintenance, the Nampa City Council approved a 10% increase to domestic water rates effective Dec. 1, 2025, and a 5% FY26 increase for irrigation rates effective Mar. 1, 2026, following votes and procedural motions.
citizenportal.ai
November 19, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Middleton School District has secured an impressive $11.1 million from the state to help build a new elementary school, but challenges loom as they prepare for potential budget cuts after a recent levy defeat.

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#ID #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach
Middleton awarded $11.1M in state Cooperative Fund; board plans bond and contingency cuts after levy defeat
Middleton School District staff told the board the district received an $11.1 million Cooperative Fund award toward a planned elementary school, to be combined with $8 million in district modernization funds; because the supplemental levy failed, staff said state rules will require rerunning a bond and outlined possible program and staffing cuts if new revenue is not approved.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Hayden City Council just approved a roundabout design at the busy Hayden–Hutter intersection, promising improved safety and reduced traffic delays!

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#HaydenCityKootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #UrbanPlanning #TrafficManagement #HaydenCity
Hayden council directs staff to finalize roundabout design for Hayden–Hutter intersection
Hayden City Council voted unanimously (3–0, one absent) to direct staff to move forward with final design of a roundabout at Hayden and Hutter and to adopt the roundabout into the city's master plan after Welch Comer Engineers found the roundabout outperformed a signal on most criteria, including safety and delay.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:28 AM
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Bannock County's election results took a surprising turn as same-day registrations shifted voter turnout from 39% to 38%, raising questions about the impact of last-minute entries!

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#BannockCounty #ID #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #ElectionTransparency #VoterParticipation
Bannock County canvasses Nov. 4 results; same-day registrations change turnout from 39% to 38%
County elections administrator Julie Hancock presented the Nov. 4 canvas showing initial turnout at 39% that dropped to 38% after same‑day voter registrations were entered; commissioners accepted the results by voice vote.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:11 AM
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Kootenai County's 9-1-1 center is facing urgent facility challenges despite recent staffing improvements, with a new dispatch center potentially costing up to $7.5 million on the horizon.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovement
Kootenai County sees staffing gains at 9-1-1 as leaders weigh new dispatch center
Lieutenant Jeff Howard told commissioners the county has hired seven dispatchers in six months, with six "on track" and multiple trainees expected by spring, but said aging facilities, odor and space limits may force a move and an estimated $5M–$7.5M build cost warrants preliminary engineering.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:00 AM
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The Sandpoint City Council has postponed a crucial vote on a $396K contract for a new retaining wall and wider sidewalks, raising questions about funding and pedestrian access ahead of the Nov. 19 meeting.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #SandpointPublicWorks
Sandpoint council postpones Bridge Street retaining-wall contract to Nov. 19
The Sandpoint City Council voted 5–1 on Nov. 12 to postpone action on a $396,672.50 contract for a Bridge Street retaining wall and sidewalk widening until its Nov. 19 meeting after questions about funding and bid amounts; staff said the contractor intends to mobilize Dec. 1 and finish before March, weather permitting.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 3:06 AM
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Kootenai County's Board of Canvassers has officially certified the recent election, revealing insights into a 28% voter turnout and minor ballot discrepancies that didn't affect the outcome.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #BallotAccuracy #ElectionTransparency
Kootenai County canvassers certify Nov. 4 consolidated election after staff report on machine tests, turnout and minor ballot errors
The Kootenai County Board of Canvassers unanimously approved the canvas of the Nov. 4, 2025 consolidated election after elections staff reported machine accuracy checks, 30,705 ballots cast (about 28% turnout), several small precinct ballot-issuance errors that did not change results, and a small number of rejected absentee ballots.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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Sandpoint's City Council is calling for community input on the future of the City Beach RV park, with potential renovations hanging in the balance and a $950,000 state grant at stake.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #ParksReform
Sandpoint commission plans community charrette after council pauses RV-park renovation
After City Council paused a proposed lease/sale and urged more public input, Sandpoint Parks staff and commissioners agreed to hold a charrette and survey to explore alternatives to an RV-park renovation funded by a roughly $950,000 state grant. Staff outlined three amendment options and timelines for workshops before the new council sits in Jan.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 1:54 AM
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Mayor Grama is poised to reshape Sandpoint's nondiscrimination ordinance, sparking heated debate over safety, legal liability, and community values.

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#SandpointBonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SandpointNondiscrimination #CivilRights #CommunitySafety
Sandpoint council weighs narrowing nondiscrimination ordinance after YMCA dispute
Mayor Jeremy Grama said he will introduce an ordinance next week to modify city code 5-2-10 to mirror state and federal civil-rights law, arguing the city should not act as local arbiter; councilors and dozens of public commenters debated safety, liability and economic risk to the YMCA and businesses.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:07 PM
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Pocatello's finance team is proposing a game-changing shift to OpenGov software that promises enhanced budgeting accuracy and transparent grant tracking—could this be the future of city finances?

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#PocatelloCityBannockCounty #ID #GrantManagement #PocatelloBudgeting #OpenGov
Finance proposes OpenGov software to centralize budgeting and grants; staff recommend funding one-year rollout from reserves
Finance and planning staff recommended adopting OpenGov’s budgeting and grants-management modules to improve budget accuracy, grant tracking and public transparency. Staff estimate a multi-month implementation, say finance reserves can fund the first year, and noted the solution is used by Idaho agencies including the state controller.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
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Ada County just approved a series of subdivisions and variances, paving the way for new developments—what does this mean for local residents?

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#AdaCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #LandUsePlanning #WaterResources
Ada County approves series of plats, variances and subdivisions; board tables Shadow Valley consideration
At the Nov. 14 public hearing the Ada County board approved several staff‑recommended land‑use items — including Floyd Subdivision, two‑lot Victory Road subdivision, a commercial parcel split, Working Class Acres industrial plat, variances and an easement vacation — and tabled the large Shadow Valley plan community to Dec. 16 for further review.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 4:46 PM