MY TURN: Hayden lacks good governance
How does a small city manage unanticipated growth while ensuring quality, sustainable services for all its citizens? The city of Hayden is facing this dilemma. Growth is already straining the infrastructure, services, budget and staff. Tough decisions are confronting the mayor and City Council members about funding services for growth and funding infrastructure deficiencies.
Impact fees are imposed on a development project to pay for the costs of providing public services to the new development. Whether they cover all of the costs or just a portion would be helpful to know, especially with inflation. Nevertheless, Idaho State Statutes determine what impact fees can be charged. Impact fees can only be charged for roads, parks and law enforcement. These fees can only be used toward the cost of future needs. They cannot be used to fix deficiencies that already exist with roads, intersections and sewer capacity. The city is responsible to correct and improve infrastructure from its budget.
Deficiencies are very apparent in Hayden. Several roads and intersections are in urgent need of improvement for safety and vehicle movement. Hayden Urban Renewal Agency funds have helped pay for construction of public infrastructure in the millions of dollars beginning in 2005. When the district closes in 2029, HURA funds will no longer exist.
The council members are in the process of expanding the current district to include intersections needing improvement. This has been a Herculean effort because two council members oppose this unique and valuable government program. Since HURA funds can only be used if the proposed project is within the district boundary, the council members must expand the district before they can request HURA funds.
A huge problem is emerging with state-mandated sewer services. State law requires sewer services. When the capacity is reached, the state requires the city to make necessary improvements to increase capacity. Even if a bond to finance additional sewer capacity fails at the polls, the state will order the costs to be applied to the users' bill.
Within Hayden’s city limits, thousands of new homes are on the horizon. Only hundreds of hook-ups are currently available. They are sure to be allotted soon. The Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board is in the process of preparing for additional capacity.
The city of Hayden’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan has close to $60 million of projected infrastructure projects. Current funding is grossly inadequate. Hayden’s historically low tax levy rate and the 3% annual increase over the past few decades have created a mismatch between needed revenue and projected financial obligations. Increased taxes and bonds are sure to be needed to meet the city’s obligations. At some point, the need for funds will require conclusive action. This council needs to come up with solutions rather than “kicking the can down the road.”
The city of Hayden is at a crossroad. The city is in a transformed world requiring a competent, cohesive and effective city council, which it is currently lacking. I have observed that two KCRCC supported members hinder good governance. With the challenges ahead for the city, I question whether they can discharge their duties with due and reasonable care. I urge the citizens of Hayden to be more involved and aware of what is happening at the local level and speak up.
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Joy E. Richards is a Hayden resident.