Kalispell City Council on Monday will take its final look at the municipality’s proposed $189 million budget for fiscal year 2027 before voting to adopt it next month.  

Council meets at 7 p.m., July 13 in City Hall, 201 First Ave E.  

Councilors last mulled over the financial roadmap during two work sessions in May. Department heads from Public Works, Police, Fire, Development Services and Information Technology each presented their plans for the upcoming year. 

Officials allocated $6.8 million from the city’s public safety levy in fiscal 2027 to cover new lifesaving equipment and emergency vehicles for the Kalispell Fire Department as well as continue to pay the salaries of 11 police officers and 12 firefighters hired over fiscal year 2025.  

The levy is also helping fund construction of Kalispell’s third fire station, which is expected to be operational by summer 2028.  

The Public Works Department budgeted $122.3 million in the upcoming fiscal year, which is about 65% of the city’s total budget and includes grant funding. The department slated an array of capital projects to improve the city’s sewage, water and stormwater systems.  

Projects include replacing two water reservoirs in the city’s lower pressure zone, upgrading aging water mains and removing lead service lines. The budget also sets aside funding for new street maintenance equipment and stormwater drainage improvements along Two Mile Drive.  

During the review, councilors discussed allocating $20,000 to study the feasibility of erecting a community recreation center. 

Councilors also appeared willing to give themselves a slight pay bump to keep up with other cities. The body hasn’t received a raise since at least 2003, which is when Councilor Kari Gabriel was first elected.  

On Monday, councilors are expected to hear from staff on any updates made since May.  

This will be the final work session on the budget before Council decides whether to adopt it on Aug. 17, according to a memo from City Manager Jarod Nygren. 

The city will not receive property valuations for the current year until the first week of August, Nygren told the Inter Lake in May. 

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.