Idaho Power Lawsuit Expenses
On Monday, January 13th, 2025, the Cambridge city council conducted their regular meeting. Following the approval of the current agenda, payments, and minutes from the previous meeting, they proceeded to their initial order of business. A representative from HECO provided an update to the city council. HECO submitted the final closeout form for the Career Project on December 10, 2024. Updates regarding the Waste Water System involved receiving comments from DEQ on the revised facility plan on December 13, 2024. They updated the facility plan and sent it back to DEQ on December 18, 2024. The final Clean Water Loan LOI for fiscal year 26 was submitted to DEQ on December 19, 2024.
The following topic for discussion was the suggested laws regarding historical preservation and the museum committee. The historic preservation code was analyzed and compared with those of other cities. The suggested modifications included wider definitions for historic preservation, an added definition for designated historic property, and a reduction in the requirement from two members to one who has professional training or experience. To maintain compliance and adhere to regulations, ordinances must be consistent with federal law and Certified Local Government (CLG) regulations, ensuring that any modifications do not contradict SHPO approvals or federal guidelines. The next steps involve presenting a draft ordinance to the museum committee following their next meeting, and having the city’s attorney convert the draft into official ordinance format for council approval.
Next item on the agenda was Idaho Power Judgment and Repayment. Idaho Power and Avista took legal action against the Idaho State Tax Commission regarding property tax evaluations for the years 2020 to 2022. The district court’s initial decision supported the Tax Commission; however, the Idaho Supreme Court overturned that ruling in favor of Idaho Power and Avista. Tax districts in the area are required to refund or provide credit for overpaid property taxes to Idaho Power and Avista. Washington County is indebted to Idaho Power in the amount of $1.1 million, and it has been decided to issue a credit to Idaho Power rather than implementing a judgment levy. The City of Cambridge has an outstanding balance of $350.71 owed to Washington County, and it is suggested that this sum be subtracted from future property tax payments. The implications extend to other organizations, including school districts. Cambridge School District has a debt of $47,250, whereas Midvale School District’s debt stands at $86,308, and Weiser School District has a liability of only $27,904. Additional entities are also affected, such as the Cambridge Library, which owes $17,488, and the Salubria Cemetery District, with a debt exceeding $10,000. The motion to authorize repayment of $350.71 was unanimously approved. The action items for this case will include deducting $350.71 from upcoming property tax payments to reimburse Washington County, as well as monitoring repayments from other impacted entities and evaluating the necessity for additional action.
The following item for discussion is the approval of the Audit for Fiscal Year 2024.The audit findings were favorable, showing an increase in the general fund due to grant funding and interest income. A review of long-term liabilities was performed for the water and sewer bonds. The remaining balance for the water bond from 2005 is $257,422, due by 2035. The sewer bonds from 2015 and 2016 have remaining amounts of $693,198, with payment schedules extending to 2040 and 2056, respectively. Motion to accept the Fiscal Year 2024 audit was carried out unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was to approve the Alcohol Beverage Permit for 2025. The applicant is America’s Rafting Company LLC, located at 85 South Superior Street, Cambridge, Idaho. They requested a license to sell bottled or canned beer for consumption on the premises. Council members examined the details of the application and the specifics of the permit. The motion to grant the alcohol beverage permit to America’s Rafting Company LLC was passed unanimously.
The meeting was subsequently adjourned.
