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Council weighs support options for Smith Fields; no funding decision made
Summary
Project Whitefish Kids asked the council to match player fees for Smith Fields. Councilors expressed support in principle but made no funding commitment and directed staff to consider the request during the budget process and request financial details from the nonprofit.
Project Whitefish Kids asked the Whitefish City Council for an annual city match of player fees to support ongoing operations at Smith Fields. The council did not decide on funding Monday but directed staff to evaluate the request as part of the city's budget process and to obtain financial statements from the nonprofit.
Councilor Frank and others praised Project Whitefish Kids for developing the facility and said the city should consider some level of support, though Frank said the city could not absorb a $100,000 annual commitment in the current budget. Councilor Giuseppe suggested in‑kind assistance might be appropriate, such as shared mowing or maintenance, while City staff cautioned the park department would likely need additional seasonal employees and that Smith Fields uses its own irrigation and water rights.
Dana recommended comparing all incoming funding requests during budget workshops and said capital work (such as irrigation upgrades) might be better funded with resort tax or capital dollars, while ongoing operations would affect the annual operating budget. Council asked staff to request Project Whitefish Kids' financials and to include the request in budget deliberations; no motion was made.
