Boise · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Boise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police de-escalation and aid policies after Brendan Jones shooting
Tiffany Hazen-Stolle, mother of 15-year-old Brendan Jones, who was shot by Boise police during a mental health crisis last November, demanded a transparent review of de-escalation protocols and the policy that prevented officers from rendering immediate aid. Council members offered to meet with her and pledged action.
Fiscal year 2027 city budget and impact fees
Boise is kicking off its five-year update of the development impact fee plan that determines what new development pays for parks, police, and fire infrastructure. Consultants will study growth projections, capital needs, and fee methods through September, and could redraw park service areas or add fees on commercial development. Draft fees are expected mid-summer.
FY27 Property Tax Increase Reduced to 2.7%
The proposed FY-2027 budget drops to $9.2 million from $29.1 million after the district issued a $22 million GO bond. The average homeowner would see about a 3% district tax increase — roughly $60 a year. The board affirmed moving forward, with a public hearing set for August 11.
Potential public safety levy
With the general fund nearly maxed out, the council told staff to explore a public safety levy to pay for police and fire staffing. A permanent levy needs a two-thirds supermajority of voters, and options with cost-per-household estimates will come back to council before anything moves forward.