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Citizen Portal News Idaho
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Garden City has approved a new capital improvement plan that could raise impact fees for homebuyers, but negotiations over when and how these fees are collected are still underway.

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#GardenCityAdaCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #GardenCityFireDistrict #ImpactFees
Council adopts CIP that underpins higher fire-district impact fees; collection timing remains under negotiation
Garden City adopted Resolution 12-27-25 to adopt the North Ada County Fire & Rescue capital improvement plan, which supports a revised impact-fee schedule (single-family fee cited at $879, multifamily $591) while the city and fire district continue negotiating when and how fees will be collected and who enforces collection.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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Garden City is set to transform a 293-acre area with a bold urban renewal plan, promising $24.5 million for vital infrastructure improvements over the next two decades.

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#GardenCityAdaCounty #ID #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #CommunityEngagement
Garden City adopts South of Chinden urban renewal plan, citing infrastructure needs
Garden City council adopted Ordinance 10-62-25 to create a revenue allocation area for a roughly 293-acre South of Chinden urban renewal district; officials said the plan focuses on water, sewer, stormwater, pedestrian and utility projects and projects roughly $24.5 million in tax increment over 20 years.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:33 PM
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In a dramatic decision that stirred passionate debate, the Nampa City Council has voted to transfer the Ford Idaho Center and Horse Park to the College of Western Idaho, igniting discussions about community access and future funding opportunities.

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID
Nampa Council approves conveyance of Ford Idaho Center and Horse Park to College of Western Idaho after heated public hearing
After months of public debate and more than 30 speakers at a Dec. 1 public hearing, the Nampa City Council voted 4–3 (mayor breaking a tie) to approve ordinances and a package of agreements conveying the Ford Idaho Center and Horse Park to the College of Western Idaho (CWI), including use and conveyance agreements, a special warranty deed, and associated management and food-and-beverage assignments.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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Bonner County is taking a significant step towards improving accessibility and security in its administration building with a first-floor remodel, but will it prioritize the long-awaited elevator repairs?

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#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Bonner County authorizes RFQ for admin building remodel amid elevator and ADA concerns
County engineers were authorized to solicit architectural qualifications for a first-floor remodel of the Bonner County Administrative Building; commissioners pressed staff to get elevator-repair cost estimates and prioritize ADA accessibility and security needs before committing to scope creep.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:49 AM
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Nampa City Council has approved new Parks & Recreation fee increases, but they’ve listened to public concerns and eased the impact on senior season passes!

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #NampaParks #SeniorSupport #CommunityAccess #AffordableRecreation
Nampa council approves parks and golf fee increases but eases senior pass hikes
Following public testimony, the council approved a package of Parks & Recreation fee increases but reduced senior season‑pass hikes (golf senior pass from 3% to 2%; rec center senior pass from 5% to 4%). Day‑pass increases were not changed.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 7:58 AM
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In a controversial 4–3 vote, the Nampa City Council has decided to hand over the Ford Idaho Center and Horse Park to the College of Western Idaho, igniting a heated debate over the future of this major city asset.

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess
Nampa council votes 4–3 to convey Ford Idaho Center to College of Western Idaho amid heated public debate
After hours of testimony from dozens of supporters and opponents, the Nampa City Council voted 4–3 on Dec. 1 to convey the Ford Idaho Center and Horse Park to the College of Western Idaho (CWI), and approved a package of related agreements designed to preserve public uses and create reversionary protections.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 AM
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Bonner County commissioners are pushing for crucial changes to the Fair Board's policies, aiming for better transparency and accountability in their operations.

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#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicAccountability #ProcurementReform #MeetingAccess #BonnerCountyFairBoard
Commissioners urge Fair Board to adopt written policies, tighten purchasing and improve public access
County commissioners told the Bonner County Fair Board to formalize policies, publish minutes and consider switching from debit to credit cards; they recommended adopting SOPs and consulting county legal counsel on open-meeting requirements.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:50 AM
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A shocking discovery by a Bonner County bookkeeper reveals deleted financial records that could reshape the future of the county fair!

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#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #BudgetReconciliation #CivicOversight #FinancialTransparency #BonnerCountyFairBoard
Bonner County commissioners press Fair Board after bookkeeper finds deleted entries and unclear finances
A newly contracted bookkeeper told Bonner County officials she found deleted QuickBooks entries and misnumbered checks dating to 2023and 2024, prompting calls for a limited forensic reconciliation and clearer written policies; the county and fair board discussed authorizing hourly corrective work with a not-to-exceed cap.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:29 AM
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The Treasure Valley is booming with 15 new households and 16 jobs daily, but a staggering $5.5 billion transportation funding shortfall threatens to slow down this growth!

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#NampaCanyonCounty #ID #EconomicVitality #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureGrowth #NampaTransportation
Compass director outlines growth, $5.5 billion regional transportation shortfall and 2026 legislative priorities
Compass Executive Director Craig Rayborn briefed the Nampa City Council on regional growth trends, transportation-plan priorities and an estimated $5.5 billion gap in funding for projects identified in the Communities in Motion plan; he said Compass will pursue legislative strategies and support member agencies in seeking federal and regional funds.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:17 AM
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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