TF looks at funding for pool improvements

At the Thompson Falls City Council meeting on Monday, members unanimously decided to continue pursuing funding for upgrades needed for the city pool.

The city will apply for a grant through Land and Water Conservation to help with improvements.

Mayor Mark Sheets noted that the pool’s decking is heaving due to weather and the construction upon silt. In a 2008 bid, Susic Construction estimated $50,000 to bring things up to par. The most recent estimate put the improvements at $90,000. City Clerk Chelsea Peterson noted that she was in the midst of another grant application that might be able to cover most of the gap. Sheets suggested that funds be redirected and budgeted to make the improvements happen and reimburse the in-house money shuffling at a later date.

Ward 3 council member Shawni Vaught voiced her opinion that the pool is vital to the youth in town, as it keeps them from hanging out at Town Pump or roaming the streets all day. It was agreed that the pool is a positive outlet for youth and it is utilized by summer school students in Noxon and Trout Creek.

“It is one of the aspects of the city that never makes any money, but I whole-heartedly support its operations,” said council member Dennis Newman.

Also Monday, the amending of the city decay ordinance was sent back to committee at the request of Lynne Kirsten. She stated that there were more edits found needed.

Sheets brought the council up to speed regarding the proposed updates to the online bill pay system. It was demonstrated that the new system with all its ease-of-use features would be cheaper than the current system and serve the taxpayers better. Residents would be able to access a mobile version of the website, schedule automatic payments, receive bills via email. Property owners could be billed directly and renters could receive emails regarding the outstanding balance and due date.

Even with an $850 startup, the program would be less costly than the current website system.

From the latest changes to federal tax law, a unique opportunity was offered to Thompson Falls - although the details of the offer were vague at best. Sheets was contacted by Montana Economic Developers Association’s Tash Wisemiller with news that the city is eligible to participate in the Opportunity Zone program through the Montana Department of Commerce.

Sheets explained that his understanding of the program allows those with unrealized capital gains to participate in long-term private investment in low-income communities. It was unclear if the money available was a loan or a grant, although the council and Sheets assumed the money would have to be paid back. On the off-chance that the opportunity would not have strings attached, the council voted to go ahead with the application process with intention to back out if the deal wasn’t good for the city.