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Kalispell manager warns proposed state bills would force voter-approved levies to expire; council approves consent items
Summary
City Manager Russell told the Kalispell City Council that proposed state bills would require levies to sunset and raise voter thresholds, a change he said would imperil locally approved emergency-service funding and complicate staffing decisions.
City Manager Russell used the Feb. 3 council meeting to outline several administrative items and to warn council and the public about proposed state legislation that would change how local mill levies are authorized and renewed.
Russell said public works will present a work-session update next week on the city's "use and ability" analysis stemming from the wastewater permit process; staff asked the council to review years of analysis that support a site-specific permit application tailored to Ashley Creek and local load/temperature conditions.
On development financing, Russell told the council Emmanuel Lutheran may use conduit bonds for a planned apartment construction project and that the city would likely consider a resolution of intent in the first meeting in March; he described the process as "pretty standard straightforward" and said any conduit bond issuance would not affect the city's credit rating or liability.
Russell highlighted proposed state legislation that, if enacted, would require all levies to sunset within a fixed term (he said a bill proposes a 10-year maximum) and would change approval thresholds for levies so that a higher turnout or approval percentage is required. He read current state code language describing municipal levy authorization and warned that changing the rules would "change the game" for voter-approved levies. He told the council the proposed changes could shorten Kalispell's permanent levy to roughly six years under the draft language and complicate staffing and planning for emergency services.
Russell said he will travel to Helena to testify in the Senate Local Government Committee alongside other municipal officials. He identified senators Kurtz and Paulson as sponsors of the bill under consideration.
On the consent agenda the council approved three items: minutes for January meetings; reimbursement of $282,691.36 in sewer impact fee funds to Meadows Edge LLC for participation in upsizing a regional lift station and force main serving the Meadows Edge Phase 4 development; and payment of $82,256.16 to Montana Roof Works for City Hall roof replacement, including change orders. Councilor Nunnally moved approval; the motion carried.
Several councilors responded to Russell's account of state legislation and expressed concern that the proposed changes would destabilize funding for emergency services and other voter-approved programs. Councilor Graham and others urged residents to question legislative candidates about municipal experience and the consequences of changing levy rules.
