The Kalispell City Council will get its first look this week at a preliminary budget of $103.96 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

The proposed budget is substantially higher than the $82.5 million budget for the past year.

City staff will review the suggested budget over the course of two work sessions on Monday and Tuesday evening, each starting at 6 p.m. The council likely won’t adopt a final budget until August, when the city receives property valuations from the state.

The marked increase in the annual budget comes as a result of caution and uncertainty in setting last year’s budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nearly $104 million budget also reflects the substantial recent growth in the valley and the expectation this development will almost certainly continue.

“Locally, it is safe to say that we are experiencing a period of growth and development,” wrote City Manager Doug Russell in the agenda for the work sessions. “This is reflected in the recommendations in this year’s budget to invest in the infrastructure that keeps this development moving forward and driving our economy.”

Budget additions geared toward this growth trend include personnel increases. The preliminary budget suggests hiring six new full-time city positions this year in the Public Works, Fire, Police and Parks and Recreation departments.

Public Works is looking to add an additional construction inspector. The Fire Department would like to bring on two additional firefighters/paramedics through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program run by the International Association of Fire Fighters. The Police Department is proposing the addition of two law enforcement positions with help from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services grant. And the Parks and Recreation Department wants to add one full-time employee and some seasonal staff to maintain the forthcoming Parkline Trail.

Furthermore, the Planning and Building Department also anticipates needing additional staff to complete building inspections as construction in the city surges at a breakneck pace.

A multitude of other expenditures could also contribute to a roughly $21 million budget increase this year.

Property insurance costs from the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority reportedly have risen since last year.

This year, the city is considering adding Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment for the Fire Department. The council previously attempted to secure these devices through grant funding, but was unsuccessful. The hope is to use federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds to finally acquire the apparatus.

Another first responder proposal is the suggested purchase of 21 body cameras and department-issued sidearms for the Kalispell Police Department.

Some upgrades also figure into the proposed budget, including improvements for Woodland Park pool and the City Council chambers.

One area of the budget where costs will decrease this year is the levy for the 911 Special District, which was established as a coordinated county entity in fall 2020. The city’s contribution to the 911 center will go down to 12 mills.

To join the video conference on Monday, May 10, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uNdt1RcgTEK8w-iTAW_OHw.

To join the video conference on Tuesday, May 11, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5BLG62jWSK6dCXZUQ19Qog.

Public comment can also be provided via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.