Survey shows doughnut landowners favor county control

Most landowners in Whitefish’s two-mile planning doughnut would rather have Flathead County Commissioners control their planning. Results from a survey sent out this fall by county commissioners show that 1,234 votes were in favor of county control and 471 favored city control.

“This points us in the direction to go,” Flathead County Commissioner Jim Dupont told the Pilot. “The doughnut residents have spoken about what they want.”

The survey asked doughnut landowners, “Who do you prefer to regulate your property for zoning and planning purposes?” Voting choices were for Flathead County Commissioners or for Whitefish City Councilors. Each property owner in the doughnut was mailed a survey ballot. If a property owner had multiple parcels of land, they received multiple ballots.

While some Whitefish representatives argue that the 2005 Interlocal Agreement is possibly now in effect following a majority vote for repeal of the 2010 Interlocal Agreement, Dupont said the 2005 document is not an option and that the county will resist it.

City attorney Mary VanBuskirk was to meet this week with the county’s attorney to see where each side stands regarding the 2005 agreement.

Dupont said the county would be open to discussions with the city about planning ideas for the doughnut if the city doesn’t “slam the door.” A City-County Planning Jurisdiction Interlocal Agreement Committee meeting will be scheduled soon, Dupont said.