Council to vote on final budget, new fees
Photo by ERIC WELCH
SANDPOINT — City councilors will vote on whether to adopt a final 2025 budget in their upcoming meeting Wednesday, Aug. 21.
The council will also consider approving a collection of fee changes related to development impact and the James E. Russell Sports Center.
Before each decision is made, the council will receive comments from community members in a hearing, beginning with a public feedback period regarding Sandpoint’s proposed $50.49 million budget for the upcoming year.
A budget book detailing funding items for each department was released by the city last month, and councilors adopted a preliminary budget ceiling July 17.
The budget represents a 4.7% reduction from 2024’s $52.97 million total, thanks in part to the elimination of 16 full-time city staff after the July 1 dissolution of the Selkirk Fire Joint Powers Agreement.
Next, the fee hearing will offer the public a chance to comment on a list of proposed changes to local fees — including rates for memberships and play at the James E. Russell Sports Center.
After some revisions, the city has landed on a $40 per month membership fee for Sandpoint residents. Each time a member visits, they will pay $3-5 for a 90-minute session, depending on the season.
Play will be free for anyone younger than 19, and a 90-minute session for a non-member will be $8-16, seasonally dependent.
After the council votes on both items, councilors will continue their Aug. 7 discussion regarding a 1% sales tax.
The proposed measure has been spearheaded by Mayor Jeremy Grimm as a way to fund road rehabilitation.
For the measure to appear on the November ballot, the council would need to formally approve and submit language to Bonner County officials by Sept. 6. The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting does not list the 1% tax discussion as an action item.
The Aug. 21 meeting will be held at City Hall, 1123 Lake St., at 5:30 p.m. A livestream will be available at sandpointidaho.gov/your-government/meetings.