Twin Falls City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 203 Main Ave E, Twin Falls, ID. Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins presided in the absence of Mayor Jason Brown. All six council members were present. The meeting included an invocation by Max Newlin, a proclamation for Volunteerism Just Serve Idaho, approval of the consent calendar, action on a seal coat project and a rezone ordinance, a financial presentation by the CFO, general public input, a public hearing on property transfer to the Urban Renewal Agency, and an executive session. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

Consent Calendar

• Items a-d, f-g (minutes, accounts payable, improvement agreements for Ashlee Townhomes Subdivision and Perrine Point Subdivision Phase 8C, special event permits for Youth Summer Solstice Youth Tri and Party at the Park) were approved 6-0.
• Item e (Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for Final Plats: Willow May Subdivision, Two Creeks No. 1 Subdivision, Two Creeks No. 2 Subdivision) was initially removed due to a naming discrepancy. The original applicant listed the subdivision as "Fireside," but the correct name is "Willow May Subdivision." After clarification, the council approved item e with the correction 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Hernandez, a proud resident of Twin Falls, expressed her gratitude to city employees and departments, including the police and fire departments, city manager, and others. She highlighted community champions and encouraged unity and positive support. She praised the city's leadership and expressed pride in being a citizen of Twin Falls.

Discussion Items

• Seal Coat Project ($300,000): Staff Engineer Sam O'Leary requested approval to use remaining budgeted funds for additional chip sealing, striping, and incidentals. The motion carried 6-0.
• Ordinance #O-2026-006 (2111 Addison Ave East): Planning and Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove presented the ordinance to rezone the property. It had received a positive recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 10, 2026. The council placed the ordinance on third and final reading by title only and adopted it 6-0.
• Financial Presentation (2nd Quarter FY2025-2026): CFO Breanna Howard presented an overview of the city's financial position, covering national economic trends, local economic indicators, tax-supported funds, and enterprise funds (Water, Wastewater, Sanitation). Key statistics included:
  • Idaho leads the nation in hiring demand at 21%.
  • The city's total budget is $100 million, with 60% ($60 million) from tax-supported funds and 40% ($40.8 million) from non-tax sources.
  • Property tax revenue has grown from $27 million to $33 million over the past four years, with about 59.9% received so far this fiscal year.
  • Building permit revenue is estimated at $1.3 million for the year; single-family permits are down 26% compared to the prior year.
  • 75% of capital funds have been spent, partly due to $2 million encumbered from the prior year for the pool remodel.
  • The city maintains strong reserves and conservative budgeting practices.
  • Council member Stone asked about state sales tax on online purchases. City Manager Rothweiler explained that Idaho does not share online transaction taxes with cities, and Twin Falls sends about $125 million annually to the state but receives only about $6 million back. He emphasized the need for a local option sales tax.

Public Hearing: Property Transfer to Urban Renewal Agency

• Urban Renewal Agency Director Shawn Barigar requested adoption of Ordinance O-2026-005, authorizing the transfer of four parcels on 4th Avenue South (currently used as public parking) to the Urban Renewal Agency for redevelopment. The public hearing was opened at 5:51 PM and closed at 5:52 PM with no public comment. The ordinance was placed on third and final reading by title only and adopted 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items approved (6-0), with item e corrected and approved separately.
• Seal Coat Project additional $300,000 approved (6-0).
• Ordinance #O-2026-006 (rezone at 2111 Addison Ave E) adopted (6-0).
• Ordinance O-2026-005 (property transfer to Urban Renewal Agency) adopted (6-0).
• The meeting convened into executive session at 5:55 PM under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or discipline of a public officer, employee, or agent; the executive session concluded at 6:30 PM, and the meeting adjourned.