Hearing planned July 6 for Kalispell budget

The Kalispell City Council set a future public hearing date for the preliminary budget during its Monday meeting.

The draft budget came before the council after lengthy work sessions last week, in which the council went over each department’s spending with staff.

“We don’t come to this in haste,” said councilman Phil Guiffrida. “We had hours and hours and hours of work sessions last week.”

A public hearing is July 6 during the council’s regular meeting.

The city’s budget will top $50 million this year, with expanded spending from tax increment finance districts and small increases to some labor contracts.

Funding for an additional police officer is one provision absent from the preliminary budget that will be discussed prior to a final version.

Kalispell’s fiscal year begins July 1. Monday’s vote also approves some operational spending before the final budget is passed. That will likely come in August.

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