NAMPA, Idaho — This story originally appeared in the Idaho Press .

Nampa’s 2026 fiscal year budget was set at a Monday meeting, a process made more difficult by the year, forcing the hand of city council members to utilize forgone taxes.

After cutting “fat” from the budget, the council had to decide whether to cut into “muscle,” or raise taxes. In a 4-2 vote, Nampa City Council conclusively decided to utilize its forgone taxes, despite the desire to remain fiscally conservative.

“We are struggling to meet the financial needs of the city,” Chief Financial Officer Doug Racine said. “Every year it gets closer to that cliff.”

Mayor Debbie Kling said, despite the city’s frugality, it has been a compounding issue as Nampa grows.

“(We’re) facing the day we know is coming,” Kling sa

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