Nampa City Council Meeting - August 18, 2025: Levy Override Denied, FY26 Budget Approved, and Annexation of Brentwood Village Approved

The Nampa City Council met on August 18, 2025, to discuss and act on several key items, including a proposed levy override for the Ford Idaho Center, the FY26 budget, and various land use matters. The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge, followed by a presentation recognizing Lindsay Dunbar for completing an apprenticeship program. The main discussion centered on whether to place a levy override on the November ballot to address deferred maintenance and budget shortfalls at the Ford Idaho Center. After extensive debate, the council voted unanimously to deny the levy override. The council also approved the FY26 budget and a foregone property tax increase, albeit with opposition. Additionally, the council approved the annexation and zoning of the Brentwood Village development, a new fee for passport photo services, and a development agreement modification for the Home Base project.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved as presented.
• Consent agenda approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Manuel Herrera (18357 Tree Line Ave, Nampa) spoke in support of Valley Regional Transit (VRT) funding, emphasizing its importance for workers, students, and seniors. He urged the council to prioritize VRT in the 2026 budget.
• Jill Hallows (603 West Crimson Move, Nampa) expressed frustration that the auditorium district was not offsetting Ford Idaho Center expenses and felt the levy discussion felt like an ultimatum. She urged the council to explore other solutions before considering a tax increase.
• Patricia Evans (3616 East Rolling Green Place, Nampa) criticized the Jacobs report as overinflated and suggested focusing on essential maintenance instead of a full renovation. She proposed using facility fees on tickets and amending the auditorium district, and urged the council not to convey the Ford Idaho Center.
• Kelly Chapman (116 Marvin, Caldwell) spoke in favor of VRT on-demand services and suggested a commuter train with a stop at the Ford Idaho Center to alleviate parking issues.

Discussion Items

• Levy Override Options for Ford Idaho Center: Legal counsel Preston presented an overview of levy override mechanisms, including temporary (2-year) and permanent options, with voting thresholds based on the levy rate. The council discussed the need to fund deferred maintenance at the Ford Idaho Center, which has an estimated $15-20 million deficit. Council members expressed concerns about tax burden on residents, especially given the recent failure of a transportation bond. Councilman Reynolds moved to deny placing a levy override on the ballot, citing insufficient funding for meaningful impact and the need for a more sustainable solution. The motion passed unanimously.
• FY26 Budget and Foregone Property Tax: CFO Doug Racine presented the FY26 budget, totaling $310 million, a 0.9% increase over the prior year. The budget includes a 1% foregone property tax increase of $468,023 to fund three new police officers, council salary increases, and other operational costs. The net tax impact on residents is nearly zero due to the expiration of the previous year's 3% capital foregone. The council approved the foregone resolution (5-1, with Haverfield and Griffin opposed) and the FY26 budget (5-1, with Griffin opposed).
• Annexation and Zoning (Brentwood Village): The council considered the annexation of 6 acres at 7799 Ustick Road into BC, RS4, and IL zoning to allow 24 single-family lots, commercial space, and a cell tower. The applicant proposed a quad-style design similar to Riverstone in Eagle. After public hearing, the council approved the annexation and zoning (5-1, with Griffin opposed).
• Passport Photo Fee: City Clerk Shar Tim proposed a new $25 fee for passport photo services to provide convenience for residents. The fee is intended to cover equipment and supplies without competing with local businesses. The council approved the fee unanimously.
• Development Agreement Modification (Home Base): Victor Farrell requested modification of a 2007 development agreement to allow more flexible parking layout and remove certain landscaping requirements for a multi-tenant building at 4865 E. Franklin Road. The modification was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Levy Override Denied: The council voted unanimously to deny putting a levy override on the November ballot to fund Ford Idaho Center deferred maintenance. (Motion by Reynolds, seconded; all in favor).
• Foregone Property Tax Increase Approved: The council approved a resolution authorizing a 1% foregone property tax increase of $468,023 for FY26 operations, primarily for police. The vote was 5-1, with Councilmembers Haverfield and Griffin opposed. (Note: The transcript indicates the mayor stated two opposed, but the roll call shows Griffin and Haverfield as nos.)
• FY26 Budget Approved: The council approved the FY26 budget of $310 million. The vote was 5-1, with Councilmember Griffin opposed.
• Annexation of Brentwood Village Approved: The council approved annexation and zoning of approximately 6 acres into BC, RS4, and IL zoning for a 24-lot single-family development with commercial and cell tower. The vote was 5-1, with Councilmember Griffin opposed.
• Passport Photo Fee Approved: The council approved a new $25 fee for passport photo services, effective immediately.
• Development Agreement Modification Approved: The council approved modifications to the Home Base development agreement to allow revised parking and landscaping standards.
• Public Hearing Continued: The public hearing for item 8.4 was continued to September 15, 2025.
• Unfinished Business: The council approved two ordinances: a vacation of a utility easement and a zoning map amendment from RD to RS6, both under suspension of rules.
• Executive Session: The council adjourned into executive session to discuss acquiring an interest in rural property.