The City of Boise will hold a public hearing on its fiscal year 2020 budget Tuesday. While the city plans to charge a 3% property tax increase, it also proposes to make changes to more than 500 fees.

The city touted its plan to eliminate most of its late fines at the Boise Public Library. It will also remove four fees related to background checks in the city Clerks office. It will also lower six other fees – all related to the Boise Fire Department.

New fees, increased fees

Eighty-eight new fees are proposed. They range from private tennis lessons ($65) to an annual greens fee on the city’s golf courses ($1,262.42). A large set of new fees from planning & development services includes hot tub and spa, temporary power pole and more.

The largest single fee increase is from Boise Fire. The current minor hazardous spill fee would jump from $108 to $290 – an increase of 169%.

If you get caught on a city waterway, a dive rescue will bump up from $640 to $1,200 – an 88% increase.

- Story continues below ads -

The hockey camp cost at Idaho Ice World would increase from $200 to $400.

The city proposes to increase entry rates at Zoo Boise. Ages 3-11 would cost $7.50, up from $6.50. Those 12 to 61 would cost $10.50, up from $9.50.

Councilmember TJ Thomson advocated holding the line on zoo fees at a budget workshop last month.

“I’m a die-hard supporter of Zoo Boise,” he said. “If additional funding is needed to fund the zoo – I’d prefer the city fund it through general fund resources – not putting it on the general public. I want more people to enjoy it and the amazing new exhibits that are coming.”

Parking at the Boise Airport would also cost more. The daily rate in the long term garage would go from $11.50 to $13.00, while short term parking for a day would increase from $21.50 to $23.

All fee changes

You can see every proposed fee change in this sortable table.