The proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 drew criticism from nearly a dozen residents Tuesday night across a variety of topics, including services on the city’s fringes, public safety and spending priorities in general.
One after the other residents stood before council and expressed frustration with planned parks still without amenities, worries about fire station coverage in portions of the city and concerns that the city is overtaxing its residents during a housing crisis. Some pointed to growing fears in Northwest Boise that there is inadequate fire coverage. City officials are working on plans to build a fire station on Gary Lane and solidify a mutual aid agreement with the City of Eagle, but residents fear a station in this area will leave a coverage gap. City officials say the plans for the area will be enough to keep residents safe, but the topic continues to be a one of discussion brought up time and time again in front of city officials.