Twin Falls City Council Meeting: Audit, Finances, and Event Center Study – March 16, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Twin Falls City Council met in regular session at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Jason Brown presided over the meeting. The council received presentations on the city's 2025 financial audit, the Urban Renewal Agency's annual report, a feasibility study for a multi-use event center, and a first-quarter fiscal year review. The council voted unanimously on the consent calendar and appointments, and adjourned to executive session to discuss acquiring an interest in real property.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the March 9, 2026, city council minutes.
• Approved Accounts Payable for March 5–11, 2026.
• Approved March 11, 2026, Travel Requests.
• Approved special event permits for the Canyon Rim Classic, the Snake River Canyon Kennel Club Fast Cat Event, and the Magic Valley Child Abuse Prevention Rally.
• Vote: Motion by Hawkins, second by Pierce. Approved 6–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments during the General Public Input section.

Discussion Items

Appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission Planning and Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove requested the appointment of Alexis Gadsby and the reappointment of Robyn Weatherford to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The council approved the appointments.

• Vote: Motion by Pierce, second by Hawkins. Approved 6–0.

2025 Audit Financial Statements Presentation Scott Hunsaker of Mahlke Hunsaker & Company, PLLC, presented the city's 2025 audit results, issuing an unqualified ("clean") opinion. He highlighted that the city staff earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA, one of only six cities in Idaho to achieve this. Hunsaker described the city's financial position as "incredible" with strong reserves and stable trends.

• Council Member Reid asked where the public should be directed within the 141-page document; Hunsaker recommended the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MDNA) section.
• Council Member Murray asked about long-term economic trends. Hunsaker responded that the city's strong planning and management position it well, and he sees no significant imminent risks.

2025 Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Annual Report URA Executive Director Shawn Barigar presented the annual report. Following a state code change, the Twin Falls Ambulance District requested withdrawal from revenue allocation areas.

• The URA board denied withdrawal from three areas (Chobani, Cliff Bar, and Orchard Drive East/Gemini Business Park) due to existing financial obligations.
• The board allowed withdrawal from the Old Town 2 and Southwest areas, which have no current obligations.
• The agency facilitated a de-annexation of 28 acres from the Chobani area.
• The Gemini Business Park is at 100% occupancy with additional construction underway.

Multi-Use Event Center Feasibility Study Economic Development Director Shawn Barigar and John Fleming of Johnson Consulting presented the study, funded by $125,000 in SLFRF funds.

• Market Gap: The study identified a significant gap in the regional market for larger indoor event spaces (20,000–40,000 sq. ft.) for conferences, trade shows, and banquets.
• Recommendation: A 30,000 sq. ft. convention hall with breakout rooms was recommended. The study deliberately excluded youth sports tourism from its scope, noting the private Jay Foundation's "Sports Ranch" project is expected to serve that market.
• Financial Impact: The facility is projected to operate at an annual deficit of roughly $225,000 at stabilization (Year 5). Council Member Pierce noted the projected operating loss was about 10% of revenue in early years and around 5% after stabilization. The annual economic impact is projected at $23.5 million, generating 22,000 room nights and $1 million in tax revenues.
• Next Steps: Barigar recommended convening community partners and exploring the creation of an auditorium district as a funding mechanism. Council members expressed general comfort with this direction.

First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Financial Presentation CFO Breanna Howard presented an overview of the city's finances within the context of national economic volatility.

• National Context: The national economy is slowing, but Idaho ranks 3rd in the nation for financial strength. Twin Falls is insulated by its balanced revenue mix, conservative budgeting, and strong reserves.
• Key Metrics: Property taxes make up over half of the $60.5 million tax-supported fund revenue. Building permits for single-family homes declined by 18% year-over-year, though home values increased by 3%. Franchise fees from Idaho Power increased by 29% over five years.
• Risks: Key risks include slowing consumer spending, energy price volatility, healthcare costs, and potential tariff impacts.
• Conclusion: The city enters fiscal year 2026 from a position of financial strength.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar and Appointments: All consent calendar items and P&Z appointments were approved unanimously (6–0).
• Executive Session: The council voted unanimously (7–0) to convene an executive session under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(c) to discuss acquiring an interest in real property. The regular meeting ended at 6:43 PM.