Treg Bernt — Senator Bernt asks Representative Monks for more clarity about the lawsuit and who is involved.
Treg Bernt — Senator Bernt asks about the second lawsuit.
Doug Ricks — Chair Ricks is addressed during the exchange.
Doug Ricks — Chair Ricks is addressed in the exchange.
Doug Ricks — Chair Ricks is addressed in the response.
Doug Ricks — Chairman Ricks is addressed by the witness.
Kelly Anthon — Senator Kelly Anthon asks whether the bill would directly affect the pending lawsuit.
Kelly Anthon — Senator Anthon asks a series of related follow-up questions about whether the bill is intended as a forward-looking solution to funding emergency services and urban renewal needs, rather than addressing already-realized excess revenues. He also asks whether urban renewal agencies should consult emergency services earlier in the planning process, and whether changes to the code could help finance long-term capital needs and reduce the lawsuits surrounding these funding disputes.
Kelly Anthon — Kelly Anthon moved to send House Bill 670 to the 14th Order for possible amendment and then explained his support, arguing that growing areas lack adequate funding for fire and emergency services. He noted that fire departments have sought inclusion earlier in the process, suggested the bill’s language could be improved to allow tax increment financing to support fire services and related development needs, and said the phrase 'sufficient revenue' may be acceptable but could still create disputes over who determines sufficiency and lead to litigation. He urged cleanup of the code to avoid ambiguity.
Lance Sayers — Lance Sayers of the Association of Idaho Cities testifies in opposition to House Bill 670. He argues that related lawsuits should be allowed to be decided before the legislature takes further action on urban renewal districts, says the bill’s language is ambiguous and could lead to more litigation, and urges the committee to keep working on the issue. He also notes broader budget problems affecting fire and EMS districts, points to House Bill 389 as a larger underlying issue, says AIC has been working with urban renewal districts on the matter, and raises concerns about future funding changes and the related lawsuits involving Garden City and Ada County Emergency District.
Megan Conrad — Megan Conrad is called to testify, begins her testimony, and states that she is speaking on behalf of the Redevelopment Association of Idaho and the Garden City Urban Renewal Agency in opposition to House Bill 670.
Ms. Conrad — Ms. Conrad discusses possible language and policy approaches for the bill, noting that urban renewal law has changed frequently and suggesting alternatives such as annual pass-back arrangements. She agrees the bill is a forward-looking approach tied to growth and increased budget capacity, but explains that agencies may have excess funds late in a project and could coordinate with fire districts. She emphasizes that returned amounts may be only a short-term solution and that front-end planning is important if fire and EMS are to opt in under House Bill 436. She also distinguishes between funding hard assets within district boundaries and using urban renewal assets to support fire and EMS operations, concluding with the testimony wrapping up.
Robert Beltran — Robert Beltran is introduced and then testifies in opposition to the proposed bill. He says earlier testimony covered many of his points, notes that there is pending litigation involving the bill, and argues it is premature to make changes before the courts weigh in. He adds that the bill could be revisited next year if needed and offers to answer questions.
Lakey Villegas Law and Policy — Identified as the organization Robert Beltran is affiliated with.
Mr. Sayers — Referenced as having already covered much of the testimony.
Mr. Beltran — Chair confirms the witness's name spelling.
Chief Greg Timmonski — Identified as being with Starr and Middleton Fire and the firemen's association; could not attend.
Ben Adams — Seconded the motion.
Ben Adams — Ben Adams first asked who the Senate sponsor for House Bill 658 would be, then shortly afterward moved that the bill be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.