RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum City Council has proposed a fiscal 2016 general fund budget of $8.46 million that will be considered after a public hearing on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.

The proposed budget is up slightly from this year's $8.25 million budget.

"The increase is due to additional funds allocated toward capital and pathway projects," said Melissa Taylor, city clerk.

The proposed budget was developed without a tax increase.

"With the new construction adding to the property tax rolls and slight increase in revenues from the state, we were able to build a budget that covered our increases, various projects and general budget requirements and do so without a tax increase," Taylor said.

A 2 percent cost of living increase for all full-time employees has been budgeted along with a 2 percent merit hike for those approved by their supervisor.

"The 2 percent merit is all-or-nothing and is determined by their annual review," Taylor said.

The total amount budgeted for salary increases is $65,683.

Expenditure highlights include $1.25 million for a new water well, $223,000 for street improvements, $125,000 for continuing to build pathways, $54,400 for two new police vehicles to replace older cars, $36,000 for police camera units for inside patrol cars, $25,000 for an electronic readerboard, $12,000 for Roth Park improvements, $11,000 for a five-ton hoist/plasma cutter and $5,000 for skate park improvements.

The electronic readerboard would be placed at a high traffic location such as along Highway 41 or Highway 53.

"We are looking for additional ways to get information out to the citizens, particularly upcoming events," Taylor said.

The street improvements will include work on Second Street from McCartney to Mill Street and along Main to Washington.

The city plans to continue to connect more pathways in the city.

"For next year south of Tombstone along Meyer and possibly the south side of Boekel Road are up for pathways," Taylor said.

As far as new personnel, a part-time office position in the clerk's office has been budgeted for $14,560.

Rathdrum

budget hearing

The public hearing on Rathdrum's city budget will be on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m.