Explainers
Plain-language guides to the numbers behind Moscow's city budget. Each page includes charts, data tables, and context from official budget documents.
Why Did My Property Tax Bill Go Up?
The levy rate went down but your bill went up. Here is why: assessed values grew faster than the rate fell. Covers the levy paradox, Idaho law caps, and year-by-year history.
Property Tax - Levy Rate - Idaho LawWhy Are Water Rates Rising?
Aging pipes, required treatment upgrades, and the enterprise fund rule that rates must cover all costs. Includes $90 million in planned water and sewer capital projects and city-by-city rate comparisons.
Water - Sewer - Rates - CIPWhat Does Moscow Invest in Public Safety?
Police is the largest single General Fund department at $7.35 million. Fire runs on a volunteer model at $1.96 million. Together they take about 45% of the General Fund. Staffing trends over 18 years.
Police - Fire - General Fund - FTEWhere Does $139 Million Go?
Moscow's budget nearly tripled from $49.9M in FY2008 to $139.5M in FY2026. This page breaks down what each fund covers, why the total grew, and what the General Fund actually controls.
Budget Overview - All Funds - GrowthHow Does Moscow Compare?
Side-by-side costs vs Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. Annual household costs, property tax rates by county, building permit fees, and why Moscow has no development impact fees.
Moscow vs Lewiston vs CdA - Fees