Blackfoot City Fees Increase

The Blackfoot City Council approved two measures that will mean changes to taxpayers Tuesday.

City fees will increase, and the area for urban development is expanding.

Mayor Mike Virtue said these increases are modest and they are being made to keep up with the service that people have come to expect.

Fees in the city haven’t changed in four years, and Virtue said, as costs for gas and everything else goes up, so do city operations.

Here are a few changes people can expect: — Water: In the city, services will increase by about $1 depending on line size. — Water: Out of the city, services will increase by about $1.50 depending on line size. — Garbage pickup will go from $12.67 to $13 for a 100 gallon bin. — Parking violations will go from $15 to 20. — Utility deposits will go from $50 to $75. — A family pool pass will go from $375 to $425. — Recreation fees will be $15 for everyone. — Renting a park shelter will go from $50 to $75 for a full day.

The city has also expanded the area it can use TIF district funds for urban renewal. The current area is the main section of downtown, but will now expand from Mark Lane to the city limits.

Virtue said he is excited because this means more areas of town can grow. He said Blackfoot wouldn’t be the same without those urban renewal dollars, and he hopes the expansion brings more businesses to town.