Council considers tax-district money

A roundtable discussion last week aired some ideas on what to do about the $1.8 million remaining in Kalispell’s Westside Tax Increment Financing District.

Tonight, City Council members will pick up where the discussion left off as they continue their conversation that was tabled at the April 19 council meeting.

At issue is whether to distribute a portion of the fund, which is scheduled to end in March 2012, or renew it by investing in potential development projects that could spur economic activity and job creation in the area.

If a distribution is made now to the various taxing entities that get revenue from the district, City Manager Jane Howington recommends using no more than $1.5 million. That would leave enough to manage the fund until it sunsets.

But several ideas for economic development are being floated, although not in public meetings.

If serious proposals come to the council’s attention, it could vote to fund the projects possibly by issuing bonds and extending the life of the tax-increment district to pay them off.

Also tonight, the council will hold a public hearing that finishes up the rest of the action required for a Tourism Business Improvement District approved at the May 3 council meeting.

The public hearing will gather comments on the district’s work plan and budget. A vote follows later on the agenda, as does a vote on whether Chris Walters should be confirmed as the district board’s chairman.

In other action the council will consider:

• Adopting the National Incident Management System protocol that the Department of Homeland Security established to govern how governmental agencies work together on incidents.

• Reamortizing the city’s USDA loan to reduce its annual debt service.

• Adding about another four blocks to the Kalispell Main Street Historic District, reflecting an updated study of qualifying buildings.

• Appointing members to several city boards and commissions.

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