POST FALLS — The City Council unanimously approved a $42,799,838 general fund budget for the fiscal period from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. This general fund budget is about $2 million lower than Post Falls' budget last year.

The approved budget includes a 4% increase in the property tax-based budget, alongside revenues from new construction and annexation. This increase partially offsets the anticipated $762,235 reduction in state sales tax revenue and rising insurance and other costs. 

Post Falls has not increased property taxes in 15 years since 2009, instead relying on income from new construction, annexation and the closure of urban renewal areas. 

Councilmember Joe Malloy, who presided over the meeting in Mayor Ron Jacobson's absence, acknowledged the challenges facing the city. "Unfortunately, due to massive inflation and large losses and projected revenue from state highway taxes and highway funding primarily, I don't think it's any longer tenable to hold the line anymore," Malloy said.

Councilmember Randy Westlund echoed Malloy's frustrations and suggested that the city take the 4% increase as a matter of responsibility to begin addressing the inflation costs it is facing.

The approved budget will fund one additional police officer, four new police vehicles, and other limited operational and capital expenditures. It will also include a cost of living adjustment to salaries to remain competitive. Additionally, the budget will provide funding for planned improvements to city facilities and Warren Field, with some of the Warren Field project being grant-funded.

To finalize the budget, the council must vote on it as an ordinance. That vote is expected to take place at their next meeting.