Budget

As Idaho faces a looming budget shortfall, lawmakers, law enforcement and legislators are grappling with how to balance the books without putting communities and public safety at risk.

It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.

The Boise Police Department wants more resources to tackle rising financial and online crimes in the state.

Up to 4% raises would cost the county $6.2 million, but the county has only identified where about half that funding could come from.

Most of the new revenue the county plans to take in next year will cover inflation-related cost increases for service contracts and consumables like food and energy.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Wednesday the end of the fiscal year $100 million surplus will go towards Property Tax relief.

Idaho’s budget outlook remains rosy as the state nears the end of its fiscal year.

Idaho ended its most recent fiscal year with a $1.4 billion budget surplus, with Gov. Brad Little promising to use the cash for a third round of tax cuts next year.

The Idaho Legislature went into overdrive Monday, passing several critical budget bills, covering everything from education to transportation.

Budget and revenue forecasters for the state of Idaho projected a decline of as much as $585 million to the state budget due to the effects of COVID-19.…