MERIDIAN, Idaho — The City of Meridian is inviting the public to weigh in on a potential public safety levy.
Tuesday night, Meridian’s City Council heard public feedback on a public safety levy that would result in a permanent property tax increase.
“I get people’s reticence, they don’t want to spend more money than they have to,” said Brian Shackleford.
He’s a Meridian homeowner in favor of the city’s proposal to increase property taxes as they look to maintain and improve public safety.
“I do think it’s fiscally responsible for us as property owners. Imagine you own property in a city that has poor response times, what’s going to happen to your property values then?” said Shackleford.
While many are okay with the city needing to increase its budget to recruit and retain firefighters and police officers, they’re also receiving emails and comments against the tax increase, one resident calling for the levy not to be permanent but to have a set end date instead.
“Or if there’s some way to take those funds and set them aside? Build a fund?” suggested a Meridian resident at the city council meeting.
If the council approves it, the levy will appear on the November ballot and would be used to maintain 13 firefighter positions currently being funded by the SAFER grant.
The estimated $5 million per year would also increase police officer wages to help recruit and retain officers, and fund a unit dedicated to prosecuting crimes.
If the levy passes –with 60% or more in favor– the city would start collecting October 2026.
On average, it would cost homeowners about 20 dollars a year, per 100-thousand dollars of taxable assessed value.
City Council will continue to discuss whether or not to proceed with the levy after another public input hearing.
The first public hearing was Tuesday, June 24, at City Hall. The next meeting with be July 8 at 6 p.m.
