A local option levy is a voter-approved property tax measure that allows local governments, such as cities to raise additional revenue for specific services or programs that the community values that aren’t fully covered by the city’s regular budget.
The Plan
Meridian has long prioritized responsible budgeting and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, we’ve worked to keep pace with the needs of our expanding community while maintaining a conservative fiscal approach. However, rising costs are putting pressure on the City’s General Fund, which supports public safety services.
To address these challenges, Meridian will place a public safety levy on the November 4, 2025, election ballot. If approved by the voters, this local option levy would generate $5,018,125.71 in revenue annually beginning on October 1, 2026. Based on current conditions, the average single-family homeowner would pay approximately $20.11 per $100,000 of assessed value per year.
Election Day is November 4, 2025
Official ballot language:
Voters will see this language on their ballots for the November 4, 2025 election:
Shall the City Council of the City of Meridian (“City”) be authorized and empowered to increase the City’s budget and levy, pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g), by $5,018,125.71 to provide ongoing funding for firefighters, police officers, and a prosecution unit?
The levy will be used to (1) retain 13 firefighter positions following the exhaustion of grant funds; (2) increase police officer wages to recruit and retain officers; and (3) fund a prosecution unit to prosecute crimes. The date of the election is November 4, 2025. The City will collect $5,018,125.71 from the levy, beyond any amount otherwise allowed by law, beginning with the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2026, which amount will be added to the City’s annual budget for the purposes of Idaho Code section 63-802 and continue each fiscal year thereafter. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer will be a tax of $20.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.
_ IN FAVOR of authorizing the budget and levy increase in the amount of $5,018,125.71
_ AGAINST authorizing the budget and levy increase in the amount of $5,018.125.71
Why this levy matters?
As Meridian continues to expand, so too does the demand on our public safety services and their impact on the City's General Fund. This levy would provide critical ongoing funding to help sustain police, fire, and prosecutorial services to serve our residents.
This levy would allow the City to retain 13 fire department positions, currently funded by the Federal SAFER grant, a key step toward meeting current needs and our long-term goal of achieving four-person crews across our fire stations to enhance the safety of firefighters and the community.
The levy would also provide salary support for police officers, to help retain current officers and recruit additional officers with a more competitive living wage.
The levy would also help fund the creation of an in-house prosecutor's office for misdemeanor prosecutions currently handled by the City of Boise through a contract, allowing the City the ability to make its own determinations in which cases to prosecute, manage a growing caseload, and enhance coordination across the public safety system.
How will the levy be spent?
The levy will be used to:
- Retain 13 firefighter positions following the exhaustion of grant funds;
- Increase police officer wages to recruit and retain officers;
- Fund a prosecution unit to prosecute crimes.
The date of the election is November 4, 2025. The City will collect $5,018,125.71 from the levy, beyond any amount otherwise allowed by law, beginning with the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2026, which amount will be added to the City’s annual budget for the purposes of Idaho Code section 63-802 and continue each fiscal year thereafter.
The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer will be a tax of $20.11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.
Key Dates
Below are important dates and video recordings related to the process, including past public hearings and Council discussions
Past Council Public Meetings:
- June 10, 2025 - Staff presentation to Council
- June 17, 2025 - Council Workshop Discussion
- June 24, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing #1
- July 8, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing #2
- July 29, 2025 - Special Council Meeting Public Hearing #3: Council decision to place the levy on the ballot
Next Steps:
- November 4, 2025 - November Election Day
Stay informed by visiting this page and watch for announcements about upcoming public information sessions and resources.
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