Lewiston city budget advances
By Joel Mills, Lewiston Tribune, Idaho | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Randall said a
Cutting the funding therefore wouldn't have an effect on balancing the budget, Bennett said. Johnson asked if the money could be transferred to the general fund, but Bennett reminded him that voters passed an initiative that prohibits the city from transferring money between funds.
Johnson also questioned the
Bennett said he and Administrative Services Director
Randall then questioned a
There was also a spike in large medical claims this year, Marsh said, which accounted for some of the increase.
Blakey asked Fire Chief
Myklebust said the new systems would remove 100 percent of vehicle fumes, a significant improvement over the current systems that leave soot on the walls and equipment. And the upgrades may spare the department from federal workplace safety regulations that could mandate expensive building upgrades to keep the exhaust contained, he said.
City Attorney
Marsh reminded the council that the 4.8 percent tax hike includes
That amounts to an increase of about
Daniel and Johnson voted against the second reading. The third reading and adoption of the budget will be held at
In other business, the council voted 6-0 to confirm Myklebust as the city's next fire chief, after he has served as interim chief since April. Myklebust has spent his entire career at the department, staring 23 years ago as a reserve firefighter.
"I think it would be fair to say this is something Travis has been working toward all his life," said Bennett, who recommended Myklebust for the post last week.
Indeed, Myklebust said it has been his goal to be a fire chief since he was 3 or 4 years old. His wife, daughter and parents were on hand to share in the moment.
Myklebust made about
Mills may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2266.
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