City budget reflective of increase in services, planned projects

The Whitefish City Council has approved the fiscal year 2018 budget, which runs from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. We are writing to give our residents a summary of the city’s financial condition and an update on city projects. You can view the entire, adopted budget on the city’s web page at http://www.cityofwhitefish.org/.

The city received its most recent financial audit for the prior fiscal year (FY16) and once again, we received a “clean” audit. Through prudent spending and care of tax dollars, the city underspent its budgets improving our cash reserves by 2.3 percent for a total cash reserve balance of 14.8 percent for property tax supported funds.

FY17 saw the move into the new City Hall and the opening of the new parking facility that provides 212 spaces. We are pleased to report that both facilities are working as intended and feedback has been very positive. We thank all who helped see this project through to the end. It was not without challenges but as with all great things, there are great challenges. As a final reminder, except for a downtown special improvement district, this project was funded entirely by tax increment financing and no new property taxes were levied to pay for this project.

FY17 accomplishments go beyond the City Hall and the parking facility including many other projects, plans, and upgrades. The city’s resort tax funded the West Seventh Street reconstruction project from Baker Avenue to Fairway Drive, Memorial Park basketball courts and the Riverside Park tennis courts. Public Works completed the inflow and infiltration reduction project consisting of rehabilitation of 5,000 linear feet of sewer main and about 35 manholes. This important project reduces the amount of unnecessary wastewater entering our sewage treatment plant and will help keep the city’s operating costs down.

Additional public works projects include the Lion Mountain loop watermain replacement project, and the Columbia bridge watermain extension project. Whitefish Animal Group funded the Hugh Rogers WAG Park dog wash station, and the Depot Park gazebo was completed with landscaping funded by Whitefish Rotary Club.

For the upcoming FY18 budget, the city’s total budget is $40.9 million or $10 million (20.21 percent) lower than FY17 budget. State valuations came back with an average property value increase of 12.8 percent, with some more or less than this figure. Resort tax collections are up $414,547 (12.8 percent) over FY16 figures, which means even greater property tax relief for our residents in FY18. Healthy economic construction activity continued through FY17 with 221 building permits totaling about $43.5 million in value and is continuing into FY18.

FY18 significant projects include: finalizing and implementing the Whitefish strategic housing plan; reconstructing Central Avenue from Third Street to Sixth Street including water and sewer main upgrades and resurfacing; resort tax-funded Somers Avenue reconstruction and utility upgrades, paving of the parking lot at Hugh Rogers WAG Park, Riverside Park boat access improvements and City Beach bathroom renovations; Flathead Avenue extension; continued work on Depot Park improvements; adding up to 24 parking spaces by City Beach at 55 Woodland Place; replacing dilapidated stairs at City Beach; and repairing retaining walls at City Beach.

As always, we will continue working with our valued partners including Whitefish Lake Institute on protecting Whitefish Lake, and Whitefish Legacy Partners on new trails to Close the Loop around Whitefish Lake. We are happy to report that the new Whitefish Trail trailheads on Reservoir Road and Big Mountain Road will be completed this October, providing expanded recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors. This project was a component of the Haskill Basin conservation easement project that closed in 2016 thanks to the overwhelming support of city residents and our partners.

The Whitefish Police Department saw a 40 percent increase in calls for service from 10,037 in 2015 to 14,065 in 2016. Calls for service in 2017 are trending in line with 2016 numbers representing a significant impact on police resources and manpower. Next year, the city may consider bringing on an additional full time police officer to help keep our community safe.

In 2016, the Whitefish Fire Department had 1,668 calls for service compared with 1,782 calls in 2015. As demand for emergency services within city limits and the greater Fire Service Area continues to increase, the city is embarking on a long-term strategic plan to identify capital needs and financing options to help keep the burden on the city’s general fund down.

As your Mayor, City Council, and city staff, we strive for inclusive governance, solid planning, and managed growth to preserve the character and high quality of life for our residents and businesses. We hope you enjoy living and working in Whitefish as much as we do.

— Mayor John Muhlfeld and City Manager Adam Hammatt