City Council Soda Springs 9/3

A regular meeting and public hearing were held on September 3.  

Public Hearing on Rate Increase

At the outset of the meeting, a public hearing on the proposed rate increases for utilities was held.  Power, water, sewer, garbage rates were proposed to increase by different amounts.  The increase, which was larger than some residents would like, allows the city to maintain a fund for emergency infrastructure expenses.  As discussions leading up to the rate increase have gone on, the age of the main water transmission line has been noted a number of times, with the warning that if it were to experience a catastrophic failure the town would be without water, and with an eye-watering expense on its hands.   

No written comments had been submitted to the clerk’s office.

During the course of the hearing, members of the public questioned the council about the nature of the increase, and what the fees pay for.  

The council, along with members of the city utilities crews and others, discussed the financial status of the budget elements tied to utilities, as well as the potential future drains on those funds as large projects emerge. 

Council President Mitch Hart provided an average increase forecast, of about $7/mo water, $8/mo for sewer, $5/mo for power, for a total of about $20 dollars a month for all 3 services.

The increase is in accord with the anticipated needs that were laid out in the comprehensive plan, which was updated in 2020.  Planning studies indicated serious needs in areas such as water lines, which are up to 70 years old. “At some time we need to address those things,” Hart said.  “There are two ways to address it—cash flow, or a bond.  One way to look at it is that we’ve had a free ride for many years.  We’ve delayed these projects for a long time.  We’ve elected to impose these fees in lieu of a bond, which will cost more.”

Councilman Gritton added: “We just found out about an INI problem, with 50% of our wastewater system.  Fixing those things are in the millions.  We have some very critical infrastructure problems.  I think it’s our responsibility to provide basic services.  I have not looked on these increases lightly.” 

Councilman Worthington thanked the audience for its participation.  “I appreciate the fact that you’re coming to a budget meeting and you’re asking questions.  It’s nice to see a lot of people in the building.”  

Another issue that came up regarded the increase as it related to resident of the Cedar View area, who have their own water line.  Residents asked that they be waived from the Capital Improvement Fund fee (formerly Formation Well) for that reason. 

Councilman Carpenter noted: “The formation well was an unfunded mandate passed down from DEQ.  Fortunately for us, we were able to pay for that ourselves.  We saved about 10 million doing it that way.  Cost of goods has gone up.  When parts double, we can skate by for a bit.  We’re trying to run as tight a ship as we can while doing what we need to.  Cost of operations has gone up for everybody.”  He noted that the line that bring water to the development is that covered under the rate increase for water.

Other residents noted that they would like to discuss their recently signed contract and other issues with city officials.  They were added to the agenda for the Septmebr 17 meeting.  

After the public hearing was closed, the council voted in favor of the increases.

Resolution 2025-10 increases sewer rate by about 8$ or 11.5% month.

Resolution 2025-8 increases garbage rates to an average of 2% month.

Resolution 2025-9 increases Kwh rate up 5% or10.39.

 Jessica Thurman—Recreation

Stockman’s is hoping to be a part of the Fall Festival again, which is scheduled for the 27th of the month.  “All the feedback I’ve got was that it was a success at the beer garden.  This is planned for the same spot,” she noted.  She is going to ask them to not have sales during the dance portion, at 7.  The permit was approved, with Councilman Gritton voting nay.

 Idaho Central Credit Union sent 500$ as a donation toward the creation of a ice skating rink at Kelly Park.  The facility will be upgraded with a tarp base, and fencing for the sides.  It comes with all the straps and the tarp.  There was some talk about getting a Zamboni.  This area system would probably be good for 5-10 years.  There is a spot to store it.  The Soda Springs Rotary Club also plans to contribute to the project, which will come out of the
rec fund.  

Thurman would like to do a free skate setup, and maybe even trying to put together a league.  

The project is within her budget, and they can try to do it with this year’s budget.  The whole rink is lit, and the Rotary has adopted it.  

“There are a lot of untapped resources around here, and I’m trying to chisel away at the ones on the surface,” Thurman said.

The sled hill will continue to be maintained, as it was a popular spot last year, thanks to Justin Hansen. 

Dan Squires

Squires reported a lot of leaks.  Between 3rd and Mountain View there have been 10 leaks between the streets.  “We’re going to be tearing driveways out at some point,” he half-joked.  

The clarifier is done for the wastewater plant, and will soon be finished.  Squires ordered everything needed to build a new unit.  “We now have spare parts for the whole thing.  Tank, hydraulic unit, rams, everything. The reason I did that is that the lead time scared me,” Squires said.  

The geyser valve is expected soon, to bring it back online.  There are a second set of parts.  It’s now all field replaceable. 

Enders

Councilman Gritton updated the council on Enders.  “We’ve had a lot of visitors-- legislators, etc.  Congressman Simpson came about 2 weeks ago,” he said.  “The bottom line is that the project/proposal is not going to be quick.  I’ve been told 1-2 years is timeline before it can be a thing.  I’ve tried to give each councilmember an update.  I would like to propose that we make the building available to the public for use moving forward.”

“If the council has the appetite to wait on the project, I propose that we make the bldg. available for rent/use.”  He proposed a nominal use fee and a cleaning deposit.  Maybe an expandable gate on the second floor and to the basement.  He wants the front office to create and maintain a schedule for bookings. 

Councilman Carpenter suggested that they come up with a schedule that’s comparable to a wedding event, etc.  

They will develop it offline and work with the office staff at the city.  The next agenda will further the discussion. 

America 250

Molly Besaris has a grant possibility of $2500 for the America’s 250th celebration.    This could involve several things, including flags on flagpoles on Main street, painting a crosswalk to resemble a flag, or maybe commissioning a patriotic mural for the city park.  

Councilman Carpenter reported that “there’s been an idea to organize and Arts Commission with Cindy Erickson.  One of their goals is to beautify downtown.  We are chock full of fantastic artists in this town.