The Kalispell City Council tonight will consider a proposal to double parking meter rates and a resolution to put a mill levy dedicated to emergency medical services on the November general election ballot.

The city’s EMS operations are currently being subsidized by the general fund and according to a memo from City Manager Doug Russell, maintaining current levels of service will be difficult.

The proposed levy would generate $760,000 a year and eliminate the need for general fund subsidies, allow for capital equipment replacement and increase the number of days three ambulances can be in service.

For owners of a $100,000 home, the annual impact would be about $24.50 in additional property taxes.

The parking rate increases are proposed to cover costs of maintenance and snow removal on city parking lots.

According to city staff, raising meter rates from 25 cents to 50 cents per hour and increasing monthly parking permits by $3 would generate an additional $24,000 annually to help with the city’s parking maintenance and enforcement program.

The council will also consider scheduling a public hearing for July 7 on a proposal to enlarge the city’s light maintenance district to become a citywide district. 

Currently the district’s tax assessment applies only to properties that are within 300 feet of a light pole. Properties that are currently being assessed would not be impacted by the proposed district expansion.

There will be a proposal to annex a .87-acre developed property at 2141 Third Avenue East and designate the property general business zoning. The owners are seeking to connect the property to city water and sewer services.

The council will also consider an application for a permit allowing for the sale and consumption of alcohol during Thursday!Fest events from June 26 through Aug. 28. The permit is requested by the Kalispell Downtown Association, which runs the events on Second Avenue East between First and Second Streets.

The council meets tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall on First Avenue East.