Kalispell City Council to vote on draft 2016 budget

The Kalispell City Council will vote on a preliminary 2016 city budget at tonight’s meeting.

The roughly $50 million budget includes increases to spending from the Westside Tax Increment Financing District. Revenues are expected to increase in that area with added properties paying into the fund.

An added police officer also will be considered as part of the final budget but is not included in the preliminary version.

The city could accept a grant to partially fund an officer position for three years. City officials have voiced support over the idea.

Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell said that an added officer through the grant is very likely to be added between preliminary and final budget drafts.

Council members, city staffers and other officials held multiple budget meetings last week. The council will vote on the final budget in August.

The council also will appoint two people to the Economic Revolving Loan Fund Committee. The panel has two vacant positions.

Mayor Mark Johnson will recommend appointments for Mark Hensley, a banker with Valley Bank, and Justin Fries, a loan officer with the Whitefish Credit Union.

The council meeting starts at 7 p.m. today at City Hall.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.