Utility Rates, Impact Fees Public Comment from Steve FunkeDear Council, just some thoughts on water rates, rail crossings, and costs of things. I know that many
costs to communities are a result of unfunded mandates by other gov't bodies. Water service is
probably a prime example. As I age and find myself suffering an ongoing reduction in economic
opportunity, the "New Economy" don't you know, I find it imperative that issues that I could afford to
ignore in the past cannot be ignored any longer. Our culture and community have been forced to cope
with diminished natural resource opportunities and increased natural resource costs over the years. I
guess we try to weave ourselves and our public policy around these challenges but when push comes to
shove there is not enough yarn left to stitch . So when I am asked to pay more for anything I am going to
say no when I can, because every thing will cost more if I continue to buy whatever it is. I can no longer
sit and tolerate every new thing that comes along and silently pay the bill and write it off as civic
responsibility. We have all been forced to pay higher costs on more things than we can imagine do to
unfunded mandates and the loss of economic infrastructure and now, for me, comes the time that those
costs can no longer go unchallenged.
I know that there has always been a noble desire for communities with means to use taxes and fees to
provide good services and community infrastructure for their citizens. I have lived throughout Montana
all my life and I shouldn't have to tell you that there are very many towns and cities in this state that
haven't had it so good as we have had here in the Flathead even in recent decades. That may seem like a
positive outlook for the Flathead but we aren't doing so well either, unless you are in the business of
selling "It" or the myth of "Last Best Place".
Most places in Montana endure out of shear desperation and many people and families in Kalispell are
no different.
So when I hear that the city is looking for funding for expensive beautification projects, city street lamps
comes to mind, or the recently proposed pedestrian crossing lights at the former rail crossings, I will
from now on say "NO". I take this position as result of what I see all over the state. One can no longer
escape what we have allowed to happen in this state by moving to the Flathead or leaving the state all
together. So many of my friends and family have left for North Dakota because similar opportunities are
not allowed in Montana. So look at your future Kalispell, it can no longer depend on me or my neighbors
alone. If we want cool stuff, pretty stuff, unnecessary stuff, don't call me to pay for it, call someone else
from somewhere else.
Good luck,Steve Funke, 578 1st Ave EN Kalispell 257-3200 Ward #2