SPIRIT LAKE - Spirit Lake's fiscal 2014 city budget includes a 3 percent property tax increase and merit increases for employees.

The city council recently approved the budget at $2.26 million, down $205,500 from the current fiscal year.

City clerk Ann Clapper, who took over for longtime clerk Barbara Brown earlier this year, said the reason the upcoming budget is down from the current budget is because there are no grants slated for the upcoming budget.

"The budget includes continuing street improvements, pedestrian facilities and (improvements for) city parks," Clapper said.

The 3 percent tax increase will generate $11,700 for the city budget. For the owner of a $150,000 home, the increase will mean about a $3 per month hike.

Cities are allowed to increase taxes up to 3 percent each year under law.

Clapper said merit increases for employees haven't been determined. Employees received a 3 percent cost of living increase last year.

No new positions are planned for the city in the next budget year.

The budget also includes the purchase of a small tractor with a snow blower to maintain pathways during the winter.

It also includes a $20,000 match to help restore the historic Woolen Brown Center if a grant can be obtained for the project.

The brick building between the library and community center, which used to be the town's grade school, has been vacant for about 15 years. The city earlier acquired the building from the Lakeland Joint School District.

* In other Spirit Lake city business, the police department recently hired David Koontz as a new officer. He spent the past three years working as a deputy in Clearwater County. Officer Jake Brazle, hired earlier this summer, recently completed field training and is now patrolling the streets.

Cortney Roth was recently hired as deputy city clerk.

The police department also recently received a drop box for outdated and unused prescription medications. Residents can drop off medications in the box during business hours.

The box is intended to keep meds out of the environment, the wastewater system and the hands of youth.

The police department partnered with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to secure a grant for the project.

Information: 623-2701