Kalispell City Council is expected to vote Monday on a proposal to double their salaries, marking the first change in pay in nearly 30 years.  

The proposed 108% pay bump would bring the body's salaries in line with current market conditions and include annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index, a way to measure the way the cost of goods and services changes over time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The mayor currently makes roughly $9,000 a year while councilors make roughly $5,000, according to Mayor Ryan Hunter.  The proposed resolution would raise the mayor's salary to $18,664 and councilors' salaries to $10,369.  

Council meets at 7 p.m., Aug. 3 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. 

Council salaries are paid from the city's general fund, which is supported primarily by property tax revenue.   

Council hasn't touched its pay since 1997 — when it passed a resolution to lower salaries — while all other municipal positions have received considerable raises, according to a memo by City Manager Jarod Nygren.  

Because the cost of goods has roughly doubled since 1997, the proposal would increase Council pay by a similar amount, according to Nygren. Councilors also began receiving a stipend to cover additional costs related to the position in 2004.  

After reviewing the salaries of other class one cities — those with a population of 10,000 or more — Nygren said that the proposed increase would still leave Council earning less than its counterparts.  

Tying annual salary adjustments to the Consumer Price Index is also common practice for other city positions, according to Nygren.  

DURING PAST discussions about the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, several councilors argued a pay bump could encourage more people to run for office. Others expressed discomfort around voting to give themselves a pay raise.  

Former mayor Mark Johnson turned to social media earlier this month to accuse some councilors of seeking to "line their own pockets," an allegation the current mayor called disappointing.  

"I think he knows better," Hunter told the Inter Lake. "I think he knows that those who are supportive of it are not motivated by financial interest but instead to have the ability to recruit good candidates to run for office, to compensate them fairly for the time and effort they put into a very challenging job."  

"To denigrate those people by saying they're motivated by money is disappointing and frustrating," he added.  

Hunter informed councilors last week that he'd be absent from the next three meetings for a long-planned vacation. 

Although he won't be casting a vote, Hunter said adjusting Council pay for inflation is reasonable, but he believes the proposed increase is too high. He said limiting future annual increases to 3% could help avoid criticisms like Johnson's. 

“People wanting to score political points will use it and kind of manipulate the discussion ... It doesn't make sense to make it a regular thing that comes up before Council, just for the politics of it," Hunter said.   

COUNCIL WILL also vote on Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley's proposed subdivision in North Kalispell. 

Habitat Flathead is requesting annexation, initial zoning of R-3 (residential) and planned unit development approval to build 95 residential units on 21.32 acres. The property is located northwest of Northland Drive, east of the U.S. 93 Bypass and south of Four Mile Drive. 

While Habitat Flathead owns the site, just 32 of the cottage-style houses will be built by the nonprofit. The rest are being erected by Iron Star Construction, Westcraft Homes and Kalispell Student Built Homes. 

Home prices ranging from $350,000 to $800,000 are intended to support a mixed income neighborhood. The entire community will be covenant restricted to long-term ownership only and managed by a homeowner’s association. 

The Planning Commission backed the proposal earlier this month after hearing concerns from nearby residents over increased traffic on connecting roads.  

COUNCIL WILL also consider expanding the Urban Renewal Agency board to include a representative from both Flathead County and Kalispell Public Schools. 

The current board consists of five members, but a change in state law means the body must include a county and school district representative as well, according to a memo from Community Development Manager Nelson Loring. 

The board assists Council in evaluating and proposing urban renewal plans and projects.  

KALISPELL FIREFIGHTERS Chris Albrecht and Zachary Lanz are expected to be recognized for their heroic efforts rescuing a person trapped in Stillwater River during high, fast-moving and frigid water conditions.  

After the victim failed to catch ropes thrown from the shore, the firefighters volunteered to initiate an in-water rescue despite limited equipment and significant risk, according to a memo from Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen.  

Lanz entered the water secured by a rope tended by Albrecht and brought the victim safely to shore, according to Hagen.  

"Their conduct is commendable and in keeping with the highest standards of this department," Hagen said.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.