Idaho Falls unveils $393.5 million budget proposal for 2027

The City of Idaho Falls has unveiled a proposed $393.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027. City revenues are projected to reach $325.2 million, representing a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year. Approximately 50 percent of these revenues are expected to come from service charges, including utilities, airport fees, and recreation facilities. Property taxes are slated to contribute $54.1 million, or nearly 17 percent of total revenue, to fund services such as police, fire, roads, and libraries.

Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw indicated that the budget prioritizes public safety and infrastructure. Key planned expenditures include widening Rollandet, land grading at Sandy Downs, and the development of a new fire training center. The city also plans to upgrade fire and EMS vehicles. To bolster public safety, the budget includes funding for two new fire department training captains, an opioid response detective, and a new dispatcher for the police department. Salaries and benefits are projected to total $111.3 million, reflecting a 6.8 percent increase.

A public hearing regarding the budget is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. The final budget is expected to be adopted on August 27.