The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously last week to approve an increase in the City Beach boat launch fees.  

Funds from the fees support the Aquatic Invasive Species program, including inspections at City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park, as well as boat ramp maintenance and staffing. Watercraft decontamination will continue to be free.  

Fees last increased 10 years ago. At that time, Council directed staff to monitor the rates to ensure they covered the costs for the Aquatic Invasive Species program. Whitefish Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts said it was determined an increase was needed. 

Butts said the cost to fund seasonal staff who perform inspections, decontaminations and maintenance averages $119,000 annually. Whitefish Lake Institute contributes $17,500 annually to the cost of running the station.  

Total income from boat launch passes and commercial permits in 2025 was $32,590. Boat ramp and drive lane improvements were completed in fall of 2025 at a total cost of $235,000. 

The day-launch fee for a resident increased from $10 to $15, and the season pass from $50 to $100. For non-residents, the day-launch fee increased from $30 to $50 and the seasonal pass fee from $200 to $250.  

Commercial users’ base fee increased from $125 with a punch card to $500 and they will be required to pay the resident day-launch fee for each launch.  

Staff evaluated the percentage of boat launches that were single launches and those that were season pass launches, along with those that were Montana residents versus those that were non-resident launches.  

Watercraft registered in Montana means the owner is considered a resident. 

Commercial launch permit holder Andre Groschupf said he’s recreated on Whitefish Lake throughout his life and asked for consideration of a tiered system for launch fees. He also shared his thoughts on resident status. 

“I don’t think it’s fair to be able to register your boat in Montana if you live in Utah or Arizona,” Groschupf said. “They should be getting charged an out-of-state fee.” 

The new fees will take effect March 1 and cover 80% of the cost to perform aquatic invasive species inspections and decontaminations. 

ARMORY ROAD is the next project on the Resort Tax priority list. Whitefish Public Works Director Craig Workman said the road has surface concerns, lacks bicycle and pedestrian amenities, and is significantly affected by school traffic.  

The proposed design calls for two 11-foot lanes with an 8-foot shared use path on one side. The design also includes a raised median on the curve to help calm traffic.  

“As with past road reconstruction projects, we’re recommending this corridor be upgraded to include city standard lighting,” Workman said. “Those are the standard, 14-foot tall, dark sky compliant, LED streetlights. 

“We are going to do an additive alternate on this project,” Workman said. “To remove the bridge at Cow Creek and widen the sidewalk along East Second Street, and that’s an anticipated $150,000 additive alternate.” 

This project is expected to be paid for with resort tax funds. Estimated construction costs are $6.4M, which includes a 20% contingency. 

THE COUNCIL also authorized staff to proceed with bidding Armory Park parking lot and open space, the next phase of the Armory Park Master Plan. 

The next two projects slated to be completed are the parking lot and open space. Staff plans to publicly bid construction of the parking lot and open space in March. The plan is to award a contract in April, begin construction in May, and have the project mostly completed by the end of October. 

The current preliminary construction cost estimate is $493,734 and will be paid for with resort tax dollars.