Sandpoint mulls budget

SANDPOINT — Finalizing the city budget is the biggest item on the city council’s plate this Wednesday.

In accordance with Idaho code, council members will hold a public hearing during their regular meeting 5:30 p.m. at Sandpoint City Hall. During this hearing, the public is welcome to attend and share their thoughts on the city’s financial matters. Following the hearing, council members will have their last opportunity for reworking before passing the 2013-14 budget.

Budget tweaking has been occupying much of council members’ time in the past few weeks. The $28 million preliminary budget passed in July laid the primary groundwork for the process. Since then, council members have been investigating a variety of issues, including project planning for the coming year and funding for the Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit system.

The Memorial Field Barlow Stadium design is also set for examination this week. According to Parks and Recreation director Kim Woodruff, a final stadium design has received public input and is ready for council approval.

Aside from the final budget approval, council members have a diverse set of issues to investigate. They’ll examine the reciprocal agreements between the city and the county regarding fee waivers, take care of some health care planning for city staff, approving the relocation of the popular disc golf course from the University of Idaho extension campus to city-owned property on Baldy Mountain Road and some housekeeping regarding the annual city audit. City attorney Scot Campbell will also introduce some revisions to city code allowing for parking enforcement on Saturdays.