Council backs higher permit fees

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell builders are on their way toward an increase in building permit fees.

The Kalispell City Council on Monday night approved the first reading of an ordinance that would raise building fees up to 55 percent.

"It's our feeling this is a necessity," City Manager Jim Patrick told the council.

City staffers want to raise fees to pay for several new building-related positions in the city.

The current staffing level means Kalispell has a hard time keeping up with the speed of development that happens as a result of growth, Patrick said.

Merna Terry, of Ron Terry Construction and the Flathead Building Association, was the lone member of the public to speak on the issue. She said the association doesn't oppose the increases.

"Although we hate to see prices increase," she said, "we do agree that the need for this increase in building permits is necessary."

The new fees would kick in by July if the council approves them on their second reading.