Kalispell city manager flags rising commercial valuations, schedules Central Garage work session

City Manager Nygren told the Kalispell City Council Nov. 3 that taxable values for commercial properties have risen while residential property values have fallen, a shift he attributed to state-level valuation changes rather than city action.

"Generally, taxable values for commercial properties have gone up. Residential properties have gone down," Nygren said, adding that the city "hasn't made any changes that would lead to that" and that the changes stem from state law and valuation adjustments. He warned that the redistribution of taxable value has produced surprises for some commercial property owners.

Nygren also reminded council members that a work session on the Central Garage project is scheduled for next Monday; he said Susie Turner will serve as acting manager at that meeting and that council will hold an executive session upstairs regarding the city manager search. He noted portions of the Central Garage discussion will revisit potential budgeting previously considered during the budget process.

Councilor Hunter urged residents to vote in the Nov. 4 election and stressed correct ballot handling after reports of rejected ballots: "I would just encourage folks to get out and vote, by 08:00, tomorrow. And be sure to sign the back of your envelope and put your birth year on the back." Councilor Dowd echoed the importance of voting and said residents who want changes to property-tax policy should contact state representatives.

No formal council action was taken on property-tax policy during the meeting; Nygren said further discussion is likely as state-level issues and valuation processes continue to be clarified.