By Observer818 on 08-19-08

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“The city’s parks and recreation budget is about $1.6 million, with about two-third of the department’s budget paid for by the revenue generated from camps, sports leagues and other programs.“
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I’m agreeable to being wrong, and admittedly not an accounting pro, but according to councilman Hafferman and my own attempts to understand the Parks budget http://www.kalispell.com/manager/kalispell_hot_topics_news.cfm ; expenses for the ice rink, aquatic facility, Kalispell athletic complex (Kidsport’s fields), recreation programs, and youth camps total roughly $1,080,000, and revenues total $549,000, leaving a shortfall of $529,000 for taxpayers to pick up.  The budget for maintaining Lawrence, Woodland, and other smaller traditional “parks” is $568,000 which gives us a grand total tax bill of approximately 1.1 million.  We’re subsidizing many programs that don’t fall within the historical definition of parks.  This may be what we wish, but it’s deceptive to not disclose this reality at this time of crisis.

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“It isn’t just the parks budget that it going to be affected by this, it is the city’s budget in its entirety,” said Councilman Hank Olson.
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A common theme throughout the evening was the manner in which we arrived at this juncture.  Most council members seemed in agreement that the resolution was nothing more than a new tax for the general fund which had been propogandized and sold to the public via a feel good name. 

Who’s ideas led us to where we find ourselves?  Transparency is so much easier.

Still though, most wanted to support the concept- the budget shortfall is quite real. 

In the end, the council decided to let the voters decide, even if some pain is involved in doing so.

Did somebody(ies) drop the ball?  It seemed likely that if the data was on hand or readily available, the council would have amended the resolution and changed it from a fee based upon lot size to a levy based upon property value.  A reoccurring criticism was that lot size is less equitable than property value as a basis for assesment. 

If the measure fails, this oversight will be salt in some wound(s). 

The ballot measure will contain more or less the original language of the resolution; but, it seems likely that if the measure passes with a majority, the council will amend the resolution so that the levy is based upon property value as they wanted to do last night.  Perhaps in the interim between now and the election they will pass a resolution of intent to do just that.  Such an action might comfort enough voters for this to pass. 

Regardless, it’s time for a group hug, followed by some tactical belt tightening to get us through the coming year.  Even if approved, the funds won’t be available for the present fiscal year.

By Danbo9 on 08-19-08

The City of Kalispell can’t pay to maintain the parks it already has, how will it maintain the parks and green spaces that it’s requiring large developers to create and donate to them? Glacier Town Center, when completed, will have a 72 acre park that will cost the owner millions to create, equip and landscape, not to mention the value of the land they’re donating, and the city has agreed to accept and maintain it as their own. Is the city going to be able to afford to keep it maintained and in good operation or will that developer end up with a run down brown space in the middle of his property? Other developments may also be donating land for parks too. It goes back to the ‘ol “be careful what you ask for, you just may get it”.

By John Duke on 08-21-08

I agree.  This appears to be, if one follows the news, the entire fault of Jim Patricks many budgetary mistakes.  The new city hall building was definately his baby and his failure.  We must accept this fact and show him the door.

By Irene B. on 08-21-08

This is the worst, most inept council of all the cities in this state.  What imbeciles!  Taxing us because they can’t do their job.  I plan on actively opposing this new tax and rallying as much opposition towards it as I can.

By APPALLED Citizen! on 08-28-08

WHY did Jim Patrick “go it alone” on the remodel job to house the City Of Kalipell. Why did he not put the Building Department in charge so they could protect the City from going over bu=dget with all the change orders that were approved. OH MY!! Now people are getting laid off . Jim Patrick must go. How will these people make there mortagages and have money to LIVE. These are loyal dedicated employees that had nothing to do with this blunder!!