Work session to focus on budget issues

The Whitefish City Council will hold a work session on the 2015 budget at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Whitefish City Hall.

Public comment will be taken on the proposed $41 million budget before the council hears a report from City Manager Chuck Stearns and then delves into specific budget issues.

The budget, about $4.8 million bigger than last year, adds a new position of human resource director to the city staff, bumps up an engineering technician position from part to full time and gives most city employees a 3.8 percent raise.

Most of the increase is tied to spending down accumulated and saved cash balances for infrastructure projects in the resort tax, street, stormwater, water and wastewater funds.

Among the budget issues the council asked to revisit are a possible increase in the library mill levy, salaries for the municipal judge and city manager and a “digi-ticket” system for the court or police department.

Possible increases in the commercial street lighting district assessment, stormwater district assessment, greenway and park assessment and wastewater rates are other agenda items.

The council will adopt the city budget on Aug. 18.