7/13/26 Kalispell City Council Session

The City of Kalispell, Montana City Council held a work session on July 13, 2026, primarily focused on the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027. Key procurement-related discussions included the consideration of budget allocations for new personnel such as a Public Information Officer (PIO) and special services officers, with an emphasis on strategic planning and efficient use of existing staff resources. The council also discussed capital improvement projects, including funding for deferred maintenance like playground equipment and a $350,000 chiller for the Public Safety Building. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to deliberations on property tax mill levies, balancing the need for local tax relief against the necessity of funding long-term city services and capital projects, including a future fire station. The council considered the implications of banking unused mill levies and the impact of state property tax shifts on local revenues. Additionally, the council reviewed the potential inclusion of a baby box in the new fire station design, with cost estimates around $140,000, but expressed concerns about its necessity and long-term maintenance costs. Public comment raised strong opposition to the proposed expenditure of $70,000 in the 2027 budget for license plate reader (LPR) cameras from the vendor Flock Safety, citing privacy and constitutional concerns. Council members responded by emphasizing the limited use of LPRs strictly for parking enforcement and the development of policies to ensure transparency and data protection. The meeting also addressed council salary adjustments tied to the consumer price index and the process for future budget adoption. Overall, the session involved detailed discussions on budget priorities, capital funding strategies, and procurement decisions impacting city services and technology acquisitions.