Unlike the Kalispell and Columbia Falls City Council Members and Mayors, Whitefish Councilors and the Mayor receive no remuneration for their efforts. That could be changing, as Councilors consider ways to attract younger and working-class members of the community serve.
That question was put to the voters. It would require an amendment to the City Charter–adopter over 4-decades ago.
In last Tuesday’s General Election, 53% of the voters approved the amendment. Now what?
Looking to a survey by the Montana League of Cities and Towns, they’ll try to come-up with a compensation package.
For comparison sake, Kalispell Council Members are paid $5,000 annually, along with health & dental insurance and an annual stipend of $900. The Mayor is paid $9,000 with an annual stipend of $1,800. In Columbia Falls, the Mayor receives $400 and Council Members $200.
In Flathead County, there are only 3-incorporated cities and Whitefish is the only one that pays its elected officials nothing.
