BOISE -- Mayor Dave Bieter wants to bring $40 to $50 million dollars of improvements to the city of Boise as part of a tax increase package destined to go before voters.
The announcement came during Bieter's State of the City speech Wednesday morning. About 900 packed the Boise Center on the Grove to hear the mayor discuss the city's accomplishments in 2013, along with his ideas for the future.
Bieter told the crowd Boise needs to focus on improving police and fire facilities, parks, and libraries, as well as conserving more land in the foothills.
He's hoping to take $40 million worth of projects to the voters for approval in a special bond election, but didn't specify an exact election date. However, Bieter says the comprehensive package of improvements wouldn't cost taxpayers any more than $20 per year.
It's a very aggressive goal, and it's a very steep hill to climb, Bieter told Wednesday's audience. We need a two-thirds 'yes' vote in order to pass it. Our citizens will help us decide what out to be in that final package.
Bieter also highlighted the city's recent anti-discrimination measure, construction at the Simplot-funded JUMP site, and Micron's new fabrication facility as the city's biggest achievements of last year.
The mayor also presented a key to the city of Boise to Boise State University men's tennis coach Greg Patton for his involvement in bringing the Davis Cup quarterfinals to Boise in April.
KTVB will air Boise's State of the City Address on Idaho's Very Own 24/7. The speech will be rebroadcast three times on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., from 1 to 2 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.
Mayor Bieter presents a key to the city of Boise to Greg Patton.
