Moscow passes 139.5M budget

The Moscow City Council approved a $139. 5 million budget for fiscal year 2026, implementing a 3% increase in property taxes that will yield an additional $390,167 in revenue. City employees will receive a 4% cost of living raise amidst ongoing financial challenges. City Administrator Bill Belknap highlighted the impact of a 2023 Idaho Supreme Court ruling that led to a 10% reduction in general fund revenues and a 20% decrease in street fund revenues. In response to these challenges, the city eliminated six unfilled positions and chose not to fund key roles in the fire department and fleet department.

Residents will experience increased service fees, with water rates rising 4%, sewer rates by 2. 25%, and stormwater rates increasing 3%. Planned capital projects include constructing a pedestrian underpass, enhancing sidewalks and bike lanes, and designing improvements to downtown. Councilor Bryce Blankenship praised city employees for their efforts to manage on a limited budget, emphasizing the difficulty due to many properties being tax-exempt. The total budget document is available at the city's official website.