City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING IDAHO LEGISLATION UPDATE FEBRUARY 6, 2020 -ROLL CALL The Special City Council meeting was called to order at 2:32 p.m. by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Claudia Ortega and Christina Stevens. Council member Roger Bray arrived at 2:35 p.m. Also in attendance were Ruth Newsom, City Clerk; Anne Nichols, Administrative Services Manager; and Ashley Linton-Welsh, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer. Justin Ruen, Association of Idaho Cities Policy Analyst; was in attendance by telephone. Mayor Blad announced that the meeting was called to receive an update on pending Idaho Legislation that may impact cities. Mayor Blad asked Mr. Ruen to give an update on three pending House Bills. House Bill 353 – Legislation capping property tax growth at 3% per year. House Bill 409 – Legislation freezes the property tax portion of a taxing district’s budget for one year with the exception of school taxing districts. (Replaces HB355) House Bill 408 – Legislation to change the formula for sales tax distribution between cities. Each bill was discussed and the advantages/disadvantages were shared. Mr. Ruen was excused from the meeting at 3:34 p.m. General discussion was held regarding potential impacts the proposed bills will have for cities in Idaho. Outreach efforts to educate citizens about the proposed legislation was discussed. It was mentioned that letters in response to the upcoming legislation and its impact on the City of Pocatello will be sent to the appropriate representatives and senators. Staff will continue to monitor legislative activities and notify the Mayor and Council of any developments that may affect the City. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 3:52 p.m. APPROVED BY: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: RUTH NEWSOM, CITY CLERK