By Lynn Bradescu
On July 15, 2025, the Boise City Council approved the FY26 budget, including a 4% property tax increase—3% allowed by law plus a 1% forgone hike—ignoring the financial strain on residents. As one of the few voices opposing this budget, I’m dismayed by the council’s disregard for taxpayers and the chorus of speakers who showered praise on the council, mayor, and staff. This near-unanimous applause, with only four dissenters, was truly horrifying, revealing a disconnect between City Hall and Boise’s hardworking families.
The FY26 budget projects General Fund revenue at $331.3 million, a 38.8% increase from FY21, far outpacing inflation (22%) and population growth (6.3%). Property taxes will rise 26.2% over the same period, with the additional 4% hike exacerbating the burden on homeowners already grappling with rising costs. Yet, the council offered no clear justification for how these funds address urgent needs like housing affordability or public safety.
Enterprise Funds, driven by a $112.6 million airport expansion, will soar 108.3% since FY21. While infrastructure matters, prioritizing a single project over core services like road maintenance or police staffing is shortsighted. The budget’s fiscal risks are glaring: a mere $1.24 million carry forward balance leaves little cushion if revenues falter, threatening future tax hikes or service cuts.
Staffing is another concern. City headcount will rise 16.2% to 2,133, 2.6 times population growth, suggesting inefficiencies. The creation of the Department of Organizational Effectiveness, with its vague purpose and four new positions, feels like a bureaucratic fantasy straight out of “The Hunger Games.” What does it do, and why wasn’t this explained to taxpayers?
Most alarming was the meeting itself. Only four speakers, myself included, opposed the budget, while others praised the council and Mayor Lauren McLean’s team, ignoring the fiscal recklessness. This lack of scrutiny emboldens unchecked spending and erodes trust. Residents deserve transparency—clear breakdowns of volatile revenues like the 300.8% spike in “Other Revenue”—not blind accolades.
Boiseans are not a bottomless ATM. The council must revise its approach, align spending with inflation and population growth, and prioritize essential services. We demand a budget that respects taxpayers, not one that burdens us while City Hall celebrates itself.
About Lynn Bradescu
Lynn Bradescu is a realtor, philanthropist, and stalwart defender of conservative values in Idaho. She is the chair of the Syringa Speaker Series and of the District 19 Republican Central Committee. She lives in Boise's North End.
