The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday night scheduled a public hearing next month on proposed wastewater impact fee increases, and several board appointments were confirmed.

The hearing will be March 17 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Council members urged the public to provide input on a proposal to more than double the sewer impact fee from $2,499 to $5,757 per home that is built. The purpose of the increase is to cover wastewater system development costs that result from new users.

“This is a big issue, maybe one of the biggest issues” facing the city, council member Tim Kluesner said.

“It can have a significant impact on our community,” said Mayor Mark Johnson, referring to the potential for impact fees to discourage development.

Johnson, Kluesner and Phil Guiffrida all encouraged the public to attend the hearing and provide comments.

“It’s time to get this in front of us and have a debate,” Guiffrida said.

Also at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Johnson recommended appointments to four board positions that were affirmed by the council.

Duane Larson was appointed to a single vacancy on the City-County Board of Health. Steve Lorch was appointed to a City Planning Board vacancy. Hank Olson was reappointed to the County Solid Waste Board. Jim Cossitt was appointed to the city Impact Fee Committee, with three council members voting against his appointment.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at [email protected].