Twin Falls County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Twin Falls City Council to weigh $5.08M in fund reserves, airport contract

Twin Falls city and county boards held a busy week of meetings, though no final decisions have been published yet. The most consequential item on the agenda is the City Council's consideration of $5,085,917.42 in fund reserves to complete 12 projects in fiscal year 2026. All meetings listed below are based on agendas; minutes have not yet been released.

City Council (Aug. 17)

The council will consider approving $5,085,917.42 from various fund reserves to finish 12 projects in FY 2026. It will also vote on a $140,000 contract with Jacobs Engineering for Rock Creek Watershed Restoration and decide whether to enter negotiations for two park construction projects: one at Elizabeth Blvd and Hankins Road, and another for Baxter's Park renovation. Two public hearings are scheduled: a zoning change to TN-3 at 451 Russet St. and an annexation of 2.42 acres at 857 Hankins Road North.

Other recent meetings

• **City Council (Aug. 10):** The council will consider approving $91,284.34 from wastewater reserve funds for HVAC units at the wastewater treatment plant's Dewatering and Headworks #2 buildings. It will also review the FY 2027 budget, swear in three new police officers (Kyle Boas, Patrick Jones, Murad Salvarov), and receive road master and emergency communications certificates.
• **Firefighter union negotiations (Aug. 11):** The city will continue talks with the Twin Falls Fire Fighters Local 1556 on a collective bargaining agreement that expires Sept. 30, 2026.
• **Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 11):** The commission will discuss the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including the Evel Knievel trailhead, Dierkes Lake Park, and South Park. It will also consider removing an ash tree at 233 Walnut St., receive an update on lifeguards at Dierkes Lake, and discuss proposed Hydrowave and archery range projects at Auger Falls Heritage Park.
• **Planning and Zoning Commission (Aug. 11):** This meeting had no listed action items.
• **Rural Fire Protection District (Aug. 17):** The district held a budget planning workshop, including a presentation by City CFO Breanna Howard on the budgeting formula for the city services contract, and a commissioner work session to draft the 2025-2026 budget.
• **Urban Renewal Agency (Aug. 17):** The agency will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget and consider Resolution No. 2026-02 adopting it. It will also review a draft second amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for Revenue Allocation Area #4-3.
• **Health Plan Trustee Board (Aug. 19):** The board will consider approving a $4,456.38 first payment to Optum for Organ Transplant Carveout coverage, select a chair and vice chair, and set a minimum reserve level.

Coming up

• **City Council (Aug. 24):** The council will consider a $900,000 change order for South Well #5 (Pheasant PRV) and a $1,306,787 contract award to Knife River Corporation for Terminal Access Improvement. Two public hearings are scheduled: one on $342,816 in forgone revenue for FY 2027 operations and one on the FY 2026-2027 city budget. A PUD amendment for a health/fitness facility at 1341 Park View Dr. is also on the agenda.
• **Planning and Zoning Commission (Aug. 25):** This meeting has been cancelled.

All meeting agendas are available on the city's official website. Minutes will be published after approval.

Twin Falls City Council adopts preliminary budget, approves $2.04M shelter expansion

The Twin Falls City Council on Aug. 3 adopted the preliminary FY2026-2027 budget and approved a $2,036,926 guaranteed maximum price for the animal shelter expansion, among other actions. All votes were 6-0.

City Council actions

The council approved the preliminary budget for the coming fiscal year, a resolution updating the Master Fee Schedule, and confirmed three new appointments to the Public Art Commission: Hannah Arthur, Cheyenne Lobato, and Chris Newbry. It also waived a two-term limit and reappointed Melissa Crane to the same commission. The consent calendar, approved 6-0, included minutes, accounts payable, travel requests, a credit card summary, a land dedication, and findings for the South Ridge Subdivision.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards and commissions met or were scheduled during the past two weeks, but no decisions have been published yet because minutes are pending.

• The Historic Preservation Commission met Aug. 3 to consider certificates of appropriateness for exterior windows and doors at 250 Main Avenue North, new signs at 147 Main Ave E, and new signage at 146 2nd Avenue South.
• The Public Art Commission held a special meeting Aug. 4 to elect a chair and vice chair, discuss a donation subcommittee, and review legal advice on sign codes and liability waivers.
• The Airport Advisory Board met Aug. 4 to receive updates on airport operations, the AIP project, and an activity report from Allen and Co.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission held procedural meetings on Aug. 5 and Aug. 11 with no substantive items listed.
• A press conference was held Aug. 7 to update the public on the Canyon Park West shooting incident; no decisions were scheduled.
• The City Council met Aug. 10 to review the FY 2027 budget and consider $91,284.34 from wastewater reserve funds for HVAC units at the wastewater treatment plant. That item was on the agenda but no vote has been reported.
• The city met Aug. 11 with the executive board of the Twin Falls Fire Fighters Local 1556 to continue collective bargaining negotiations; the current agreement expires Sept. 30, 2026.
• The Parks and Recreation Commission met Aug. 11 to discuss the master plan, including the Evel Knievel trailhead, Dierkes Lake Park, and South Park, as well as a proposed Hydrowave project and archery range at Auger Falls Heritage Park.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for the week of Aug. 17:

• **Aug. 17 – Rural Fire Protection District budget workshop** – The district will prepare its 2025-2026 budget, with a presentation by City CFO Breanna Howard on the budgeting formula for the city services contract. Public comment is allowed at the end.
• **Aug. 17 – Urban Renewal Agency** – The agency will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the FY2027 budget, review a draft amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for Revenue Allocation Area #4-3, and approve routine financial reports and accounts payable.
• **Aug. 17 – City Council** – The council will consider approving $5,085,917.42 from fund reserves to complete 12 projects in FY 2026, a $140,000 contract with Jacobs Engineering for Rock Creek Watershed Restoration, and whether to enter negotiations for two park construction projects. Public hearings are scheduled for a zoning change at 451 Russet St. and an annexation of 2.42 acres at 857 Hankins Road North.

Twin Falls weighs shelter expansion, budget; no decisions published yet

Twin Falls officials this week weighed a $2 million animal shelter expansion and the city's preliminary budget for the next fiscal year, but no final decisions have been published from any of the meetings held in the past two weeks. All recent agendas are marked "minutes not yet published," meaning outcomes are pending.

Animal shelter and budget

The City Council met twice on the shelter and budget. On July 27, members considered authorizing up to $750,000 in reserves for the Twin Falls Animal Shelter expansion. On August 3, they took up a guaranteed maximum price of $2,036,926 for the same project, along with adoption of the preliminary budget for FY 2026-2027 and a resolution (R-2026-004) proposing new and increased fees in the city's Master Fee Schedule. The council also reviewed a land dedication from Westpark Properties LLC and findings of fact for the South Ridge Subdivision (PZ26-0091 FPLAT).

Land use and planning

The Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings on July 28 for a special use permit for a major event center with outdoor amplified sound at 602 2nd Avenue South, and a Planned Unit Development amendment to allow a minor health/fitness facility at 1341 Park View Dr. The commission's recommendation on the PUD amendment will go to the City Council. Separately, the Historic Preservation Commission on August 3 reviewed three Certificates of Appropriateness: exterior windows and doors at 250 Main Avenue North (PZ26-0087), new signs at 147 Main Ave E (PZ26-0095), and new signage at 146 2nd Avenue South (PZ26-0097).

Public safety updates

Two press conferences were held regarding the Canyon Park West shooting incident — one on August 2 and another on August 7. Both were listed as updates only, with no decisions or legislative actions scheduled.

Other board actions

The Building Advisory Board met July 30 to approve minutes from July 23, 2025, and receive a presentation on the State of the Building Safety Department for 2026. The Airport Advisory Board on August 4 reviewed airport operations and the AIP project, with updates from Airport Manager Matt Barnes, Allen and Co.'s Jared Vanderkooi, and J-U-B Engineers' Kent Atkin. The Public Art Commission held a special meeting August 4 to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, consider creating a donation subcommittee, and review legal advice on sign codes and liability waivers. A July 29 City Council meeting and an August 5 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting were procedural with no substantive items listed.

Coming up

• **City Council (Aug. 10):** Will consider approving $91,284.34 from wastewater reserve funds for HVAC units at the wastewater treatment plant's Dewatering and Headworks #2 buildings, review the FY 2027 budget recap with focus on Council Capital, and swear in three new police officers: Kyle Boas, Patrick Jones, and Murad Salvarov.
• **Firefighter union talks (Aug. 11):** The city meets with the executive board of Twin Falls Fire Fighters Local 1556 to continue negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which expires September 30, 2026. The meeting is at City Hall, 203 Main Avenue East, CH-303 Executive Room.
• **Planning and Zoning Commission (Aug. 11):** Procedural agenda with no listed action items.
• **Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 11):** Will discuss the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including Evel Knievel trailhead, Dierkes Lake Park, and South Park; consider removing an ash tree at 233 Walnut St; and discuss proposed Hydrowave and archery range projects at Auger Falls Heritage Park.

Twin Falls City Council approves $324,000 hazardous materials vehicle; animal shelter expansion heads to Monday vote

The Twin Falls City Council approved a $324,000 hazardous materials vehicle purchase on July 20, the only meeting in the past two weeks with official minutes published. Several other boards and commissions met or are scheduled to meet on items ranging from the animal shelter expansion to the FY 2027 budget.

City Council — July 20

The Council voted 7-0 to approve an agreement with Rush Truck Center of Idaho, Inc. for a hazardous materials vehicle, funded by a state grant, at a cost of up to $324,000. The Council also voted 7-0 on several other items: approval of the Consent Calendar (including July 13 minutes and accounts payable for July 8–15), special event permits for St. Edward's Kermes, Back to School Bash, Taproot Church Picnic, Magic Valley Kid Market, and Summer Reading Finale, acceptance of a land dedication from the Twin Falls School District, and adjournment to an executive session to discuss acquiring an interest in real property. Members also reviewed the City Manager's Recommended Budget for FY 2026-2027 covering focus areas 4, 5, and 6.

City Council — July 27 (agenda only)

The Council was scheduled to consider authorizing up to $750,000 in reserves for the Twin Falls Animal Shelter expansion, review the final plat for the South Ridge Subdivision (10 lots on approximately 3 acres), and receive a presentation of the City Manager's Recommended Budget for FY 2026-2027. Minutes have not yet been published.

Urban Renewal Agency — July 20 (agenda only)

The Urban Renewal Agency was scheduled to adopt a preliminary FY 2027 budget with expenditures of $6,820,191, elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for the July 2026–June 2027 term, and consider changes to the Development Assistance Participation Program related to impact fees. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning and Zoning Commission — July 28 (agenda only)

The Commission was scheduled to hold public hearings on a special use permit for a major event center with outdoor amplified sound at 602 2nd Avenue South, and a Planned Unit Development amendment for River Hawk Plaza PUD to allow a minor health/fitness facility at 1341 Park View Dr. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other meetings (agendas only, minutes not published)

• **Fire fighter negotiations (July 21):** The City met with the Executive Board of Twin Falls Fire Fighters Local 1556 to discuss items for the Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring September 30, 2026.
• **Health Plan Trustee Board (July 24):** Scheduled to approve June 24 and July 15 minutes and set FY 2027 funding levels based on an actuarial report.
• **City Council (July 29):** Routine procedural agenda with no substantive decisions listed.
• **Building Advisory Board (July 30):** Scheduled to approve July 23, 2025 minutes and receive a presentation on the State of the Building Safety Department for 2026.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Will review three Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior modifications at 250 Main Avenue North (PZ26-0087), 147 Main Ave E (PZ26-0095), and 146 2nd Avenue South (PZ26-0097).
• **Aug. 3 — City Council:** Will consider adoption of the preliminary FY 2026-2027 budget, a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $2,036,926 for the animal shelter expansion, Resolution R-2026-004 proposing new and increased fees in the Master Fee Schedule, a land dedication from Westpark Properties LLC, and Findings of Facts for the South Ridge Subdivision (PZ26-0091 FPLAT).
• **Aug. 4 — Airport Advisory Board:** Will receive updates on airport operations and the AIP project from Airport Manager Matt Barnes, Jared Vanderkooi of Allen and Co., and Kent Atkin of J-U-B Engineers.
• **Aug. 4 — Public Art Commission:** Will hold a special meeting to elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and consider creating a donation subcommittee.

Twin Falls Council Approves $150K for Canyon Springs Pump Station Investigation

Twin Falls City Council approved up to $150,000 in water reserve funds to hire professionals to investigate the Canyon Springs Pump Station and its adjacent water supply corridor, the most consequential action taken across recent local government meetings. The 7-0 vote came during the July 6 regular meeting.

City Council — July 6

The council approved the consent calendar by a 7-0 vote, including June minutes, accounts payable, and the Ashlee Townhomes Subdivision final plat. Council members received a presentation of the recommended FY 2026-2027 budget but took no action on it. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss personnel evaluation/discipline; no outcome was recorded.

Urban Renewal Agency — July 13

The Budget Committee reviewed preliminary FY2027 budget estimates. The preliminary budget will be presented to the Agency Board at the July 20 meeting.

City Council — July 13

Agenda only; minutes not yet published. The council was scheduled to confirm reappointments to the Impact Fee and Improvement Reimbursement Commission, approve the City Manager's recommended budget for FY 2026-2027, and approve the PY 2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan.

Historic Preservation Commission — July 6

Agenda only. The commission was scheduled to confirm a quorum, approve June 1 minutes, review a Certificate of Appropriateness, and discuss an America 250 time capsule action item presented by City Planner Lisa Strickland. The next meeting was scheduled for August 3, 2026.

Planning and Zoning Commission — July 14

Agenda only. The commission was set to vote on two preliminary plats: Cook's Corner Subdivision (3 lots on 39 acres at 3683 N 3000 E.) and Kemp Subdivision (8 lots on 4 acres at 2500 Block of Stadium Blvd.). Public hearings were listed for a zoning change from Central City to Town Neighborhood-3 at 451 Russet St. (PZ26-0057), a recommendation on zoning for a 2.42-acre Boy Scouts annexation at 857 Hankins Road North (PZ26-0069), and a special use permit for a storage/impound yard at 1560 Eldridge Ave for Prime Towing and Recovery (PZ26-0074). A public hearing for outdoor amplified sound at 602 2nd Ave South was rescheduled to July 28.

Parks and Recreation Commission — July 14

Agenda only. The commission was scheduled to select a chair and vice chair and continue master plan discussions focused on Morning Sun Park, Kenny Poe Park, and Pheasant Meadows property. Also listed: lifeguards at Dierkes Lake Park and proposed Hydrowave and archery range projects at Auger Falls Heritage Park.

Health Plan Trustee — July 15

Agenda only. The board was set to review and approve contracts for the 2027 HPT plan year, including a Stop Loss Carrier and Third Party Administrator, and discuss Select Health administrative fees and pharmacy credits.

Public Art Commission — July 16

Agenda only. Items included a request to amend a funding resolution, an America 250 Art Display update, legal advice on Sign Code (Title 10, Chapter 10), a proposal to create a donation subcommittee, and a July Art Proposal update.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Urban Renewal Agency:** Will consider adopting a preliminary FY2027 budget with expenditures of $6,820,191, elect officers for the 2026-2027 term, and discuss changes to the Development Assistance Participation Program related to impact fees.
• **July 20 — City Council:** Will vote on an agreement to purchase a hazardous-materials response vehicle using up to $324,000 of state grant funds, accept a land dedication from Twin Falls School District, approve special event permits, and hear a presentation of the recommended FY 2026-2027 budget with citizen input.
• **July 21 — Fire Fighter Negotiations:** The City of Twin Falls will meet with the Executive Board of the Twin Falls Fire Fighters Local 1556 to discuss negotiation items for the Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring September 30, 2026.