Mayor Issues Veto on Quiet Zone

Published on April 02, 2026

Due to multiple unresolved safety and budgetary concerns, Mayor Phillips is issuing a veto of the two ordinances passed by the city council on March 25, 2026, related to the Quiet Zone.

City Council may accept the veto or override it with a majority vote at the next city council meeting on April 6.

Below are the vetoes issued.

Pursuant to Caldwell City Code § 03-05-11(2), I hereby exercise my authority as Mayor to veto specific actions adopted by the Caldwell City Council during the Special City Council Meeting held on March 25, 2026.

This written veto is submitted for inclusion in the record and for presentation at the next regular Council meeting.

VETO NO. 1

RESOLUTION NO. 095-26: A Resolution Of The Council Of The City Of Caldwell, Idaho Accepting The Bid Proposal For The Railroad Quiet Zone Construction Project

I hereby veto the Council's action Accepting The Bid Proposal For The Railroad Quiet Zone Construction Project.

Basis for Veto:

After careful consideration, I have determined that this action presents unresolved and significant concerns in three primary areas. This action is intrinsically tied to the quiet zone proposal and presents similar concerns:

1. Ongoing Safety Concerns

While characterized as "safety measures," the installations are part of a broader system intended to compensate for the absence of train horn warnings. I remain concerned that these measures do not sufficiently eliminate or offset the risks created by the Railroad Quiet Zone itself. Without clear, data-driven evidence demonstrating a net safety benefit, proceeding with these installations is premature.

2. Lack of Immediate Necessity

There is no clear or urgent operational need that justifies the immediate expenditure of funds for these installations. Absent the implementation of a quiet zone, which I have vetoed, these measures do not serve a standalone purpose that warrants their cost.

3. Fiscal Concerns and Competing Safety Priorities

The cost associated with these safety measures is budgeted for approximately $400,000.00. We do not know the true scale of the cost until appropriately assessed and a request for a new bid is placed, to cover the pedestrian paths across the train tracks within the quiet zone. At a time when the City faces competing needs, these funds can and should be directed toward more immediate and broad impactful safety improvements across Caldwell.

This includes investments in pedestrian crossings, repairing sidewalks that are currently damaged or in a state of disrepair, addressing dilapidated infrastructure, and enhancing pedestrian crossing signals and lighting. These are areas where we are already seeing real-world impacts, including traffic incidents involving pedestrians.

Our responsibility is to ensure that our citizens are safe in their daily movements throughout the city. Redirecting these funds toward known and existing safety concerns provides a clearer, more immediate benefit to the public.

Conclusion:

Due to the absence of demonstrated necessity, unresolved safety concerns, and the need to prioritize more pressing and widespread safety improvements, I veto this action in full.

Closing Statement:

My responsibility as Mayor is to ensure that decisions made by the City prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the long-term well-being of our community. At this time, I do not believe these actions meet that standard.

I remain committed to working collaboratively with the Council to evaluate future proposals that are supported by clear safety data, community need, and responsible budgeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric Phillips

Mayor,

City of Caldwell

This written veto is submitted for inclusion in the record and for presentation at the next regular Council meeting.

VETO NO. 2

RESOLUTION NO. 096-26: A Resolution Of The Council Approving And Authorizing The Implementation Of A Railroad Quiet Zone

I hereby veto the Council's action approving the establishment of a Railroad Quiet Zone within the City of Caldwell.

Basis for Veto:

After careful consideration, I have determined that this action presents unresolved and significant concerns in two primary areas:

1. Public Safety Concerns

I have consistently raised concerns regarding the potential safety implications associated with the implementation of a Railroad Quiet Zone.

The removal of routine train horn warnings at crossings introduces an elevated level of risk, particularly in areas with high vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

At this time, I do not find that sufficient mitigation measures, analysis, or assurances have been established to adequately address these risks to a level that protects public safety.

2. Budgetary and Fiscal Responsibility

The financial impact associated with establishing and maintaining a quiet zone is substantial. Given current and anticipated budgetary constraints facing the City, I do not believe this project represents a prudent or necessary allocation of public funds at this time. The City must prioritize essential services, infrastructure, and public safety needs where the benefit is immediate, measurable, and necessary.