Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Twin Falls City Council met on July 27, 2026, to approve the consent calendar, authorize $750,000 in reserves for the animal shelter expansion, review the FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations (Focus Areas 2 & 3), and hear extensive public testimony, primarily concerning the Twin Falls Police Department's use of Flock Safety ALPR cameras. The council also voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation.
In Favor of Flock Cameras:
Opposed to Flock Cameras:
Animal Shelter Expansion: Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson requested up to $750,000 in reserves to supplement over $1.3 million raised by People for Pets for an expansion. Council voted 7-0 to approve.
FY 2026-2027 Budget (Focus Areas 2 & 3):
Chief Hicks announced three concessions:
Chief Hicks also detailed the suspension of the Jerome County Sheriff's Office access following misuse of the system by the former sheriff.
Council Directed Funds: Council Member Reid requested staff evaluate radar speed limit signs for pedestrian trails.
Okay, we'll go ahead and call the uh city council meeting for July 27, 2026 to order. I will confirm that we have all seven council members in chambers tonight. I will note that uh we have a council uh overflow in room one hundred sixteen. It's the room just behind here. That if you want to have a seat, you can uh hear and see the the city council meeting uh tonight from that room, and then when the time comes for public comment, we'll need you to come into uh into this room. So uh we'll go ahead and start with a pledge of allegiance, also all of those that would like to participate, please stand. I plead to the black flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which stands one nation under the justice draw. Thank you. So I will uh note I obviously uh council meeting tonight. Uh we'll know that if you want to speak or address the council, we need there's a sign-up sheet in the the the foyer up there. Uh we need to make sure that your name and uh address get on that. If you are not on the list, uh you will not be able to address city council tonight. We will take a quick recess uh right before public comment. Uh so if you don't sign in now, there will be other another opportunity to do so uh before the comment period begins. And I'll go over the the formalities and some of that before we we go to that point. So it brings us to our consent calendar night. What are council's wishes? Mr. Mayor, if I may. Yep. Uh I would say we approve the consent calendar as uh presented. I have a motion to approve the consent calendar as written. Do I have a second? I have a second uh motion by Grayson or Councilman Stone, a second by Councilman Hawkins to approve the consent calendar as written. Any further discussion? Rachel, roll call vote, please. Ruth Pierce. Yes, Chris Reid. Yes. Craig Hawkins. Yes. Jason Brown. Yes. Sherry Vilmer. Yes. Grayson Stone. Yes. And Nathan Murray. Yes. Okay. Motion carries seven to zero. That brings us to our items of consideration. A request to authorize the use of up to 750,000 in reserves for the expansion of the Twin Falls Animal Shelter.