Several Main Street property owners can look forward to checks from the City of Polson, following the dissolution of a Special Improvement District established in 2008.

The SID raised funds for improvements from Second Avenue up to Seventh, including news sidewalks, curbs, gutters and streetlights. The bond was repaid in 2024, and the Polson City Commission voted to dissolve the fund after a public hearing on Sept. 21.

However, the question of what to do with the remaining funds in the account, amounting to $27,590.50, was tabled until the commission meeting held last Monday, Oct. 19.

The commission unanimously voted to repay one-half of the annual payment amount to current property owners who had owned the property for the five years prior to the final SID payment.

As city finance officer Jodi O’Sullivan explained, “The bond was paid off early by the City, resulting in cash remaining in the fund beyond what was required to make the final debt payments.”

The commission had two options on the table, either move the money forward into the SID revolving fund to help pay for future Special Improvement Districts, or to return it to property owners.

In a letter read during the meeting, retired Polson city treasurer Bonnie Manicke argued in favor of returning the money to taxpayers. She noted that business owners had “gifted a $750,000 asset to the city by assuming a loan assessed on their property.”  

She also pointed out that the Polson Streetscape Committee had raised $99,000 to pay for such fixed assets as benches and receptacles.

She closed her letter with the reminder that “public relations is the greatest gift of all.”

Bill Barron, who owns Two Nineteen Main with his wife, Tali, praised the city for paying off the loan in advance of its due date, and opting to refund money to taxpayers.

“I think it’s the right thing to do – especially with property taxes the way they are,” he said. “I think this will be very beneficial to everyone.”

In other business, the commission received an update on two developments along Hwy. 35, Lionhart Storage and a 19.3-acre parcel just east of Mission Bay.

Community Development Director Rob Edington reported that phase one of Lionhart Storage is complete, but that progress on stormwater management , fencing and landscaping had been stalled, due in part to significant precipitation last fall.

Edington told the commission that planning staff was making arrangements for another site visit soon.

Commissioner Lisa Rehard complained about standing water, weeds and lack of screening between the storage facility and adjacent properties, as stipulated by the City.

“I went by today and it’s a mess – there are no storm sewer improvements … and the weeds are bad enough they’re a fire hazard,” she said.

Rehard noted that she and the mayor had visited the site six months ago. “It was a mess then and it’s a still a mess. I’d at least like to see the screening and weeds dealt with.”

Steve Tasarro had asked for an update on Immanuel Living at Mission Bay, a 19.3-acre development now owned by Compass Ventures. Based on a preliminary plat, the subdivision would include 400 apartment units and 40 homes.

In addition to concerns about access and traffic impacts, Tasarro also mentioned the issue of sewer capacity.

Edington said he’d had no communication from Compass about the project over the past two years. He also noted that the developer would need to make significant improvements to the sewer system, “in excess of $1 million,” in order to proceed.

Edington also clarified later in the meeting that while the city can provide water and sewer to the development, there’s a “pinch point” in a sewer main that would need to be addressed by developers before the project receives engineering approval. He also anticipated that developers would be seeking another three-year extension soon to complete the engineering plan. 

In his comments to the commission, City Manager George Simpson said vehicle traffic through Sacajawea Park is closed through mid-November, including the two parking areas, as city crews make road improvements.

The commission’s next meeting is slated for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1.