District: Tax impacts for bond proposals less than projected

Two bonds that would fund the expansion of Whitefish High School and athletic facility improvements are expected to have less of an impact on property tax owners than originally anticipated, district officials said Monday.

Based on the 2024 certified taxable valuation released by the Montana Department of Revenue on Aug. 5, it is estimated that the property taxes on a home with an assessed value for tax purposes of $600,000 would increase by $85.64 a year for the building expansion, compared to the original estimate of $88.02. 

For the athletic fields update, the same home would see an increase of $25.61 a year compared to the original estimate of $26.34. This is 2.7% lower than the original estimates. 

The next Whitefish High School expansion information session will be on Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Whitefish High School, with a final informational session on Sept. 5 at the same time and place. In the upcoming weeks, Whitefish School District representatives will also be available to answer questions at the Whitefish Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and at the Back to School Bash on Sept. 12.  Ballots will be mailed on Aug. 28 and will be due on Sept. 17. 

The school expansion bond will provide more multipurpose space adjacent to the gym for flexible use and add classrooms and facilities for core academic classes and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs. According to the district, it will grow Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, building trades, business, agriculture, biomedical science, biotechnology and horticulture. It is also anticipated to help improve safety and security by reducing student travel to auxiliary buildings and adding secure entrances. 

The athletic improvement bond will enhance athletic facilities to support growing student participation and provide modern, district-owned venues. In response to community feedback, the proposal has been reduced in scope from the previous bond. Proposed improvements include a new 10-lane track and field, a district-owned football field, new grandstands with 1,500 seats and room for expansion, new admissions, concessions, and restroom facilities, additional parking, a new grass practice/multipurpose field and improved accessibility. 

For more information visit www.whitefishschools.org.