City to begin looking at budgets

Public Safety budget up first

Kalispell's budget for public safety will be scrutinized at tonight's City Council work session.

No final decisions are on the docket because votes are not allowed at work sessions, but tonight's discussion will be the first detailed look at a specific department's budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Expenditures and revenue for both the police and fire departments are included in the proposed $11.13 million Public Safety budget, as are retirement funds and public safety impact fees.

The police budget accounts for $3,832,000 in personal services, maintenance and operations, capital outlay and debt service, and a $73,500 transfer to grant funds. The current year's police budget is $3,714,000.

An additional $1.12 million is proposed next year for five grants targeted at specific programs in Homeland Security, drug enforcement, technology, hiring recovery and general law enforcement block grants.

The fire department budget calls for $2,132,000 in personal services, maintenance and operations, capital outlay and debt. The current year's fire budget is $2,308,000.

Next year's ambulance fund is set for $777,000. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant is included at $432,000 and a Homeland Security grant is listed for $1,348,000.

The work session starts at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.