Whitefish plans ahead for next economic downturn

Because the current growth spurt in Whitefish won’t last forever, the Whitefish City Council is planning for the next economic downturn with a Financial Sustainability Plan that addresses how the city can handle the next recession.

That plan is the focus of a council work session from 6:30 to 7 p.m. tonight at Whitefish City Hall.

The Great Recession of 2008-2009 and beyond had long-lasting financial impacts on local governments and the recovery period lasted many years, the plan summary notes. To prepare for recessions or economic downturns, the city of Whitefish has continued to build cash reserves back to, and higher than, the pre-recession levels.

The Financial Sustainability Plan outlines a number of options the city could consider to balance the budget during tight economic times, such as rebidding contracts, a hiring freeze, employee furlough days, budget cuts and spending down cash reserves to 5 percent. Employee pay cuts and layoffs would be considered, along with reduced office hours at City Hall.

During the council meeting that begins at 7:10 p.m., also at City Hall, the council has four public hearings on the agenda.

First up is a request from Heidi Schley-Jacobson for a conditional-use permit to build an accessory apartment at 1660 W. Lakeshore Dr.

Don Kaltschmidt of Eagle Enterprises LLC, is asking for a conditional-use permit to add 2,250 square feet to an existing building at 6219 U.S. 93 S.

Louise Fisher is seeking preliminary-plat approval for a 15-lot subdivision known as Mountain Brook Subdivision, located at 133 Armory Road.

A fourth hearing will consider the rezoning for a half-acre at 800, 902 and 1000 Wisconsin Avenue that is split-zoned low density resort residential and limited business, to limited business district.

The council will vote on a resolution adopting an Emergency Operations Plan for the city.