Study: Government serves the city well

The government review commission has finished its study of the existing form and powers of the Whitefish government and procedures. This information was submitted by the City of Whitefish Study Commissioners, Sarah P. Fitzgerald-Countryman, chair, and Vanice Woodbeck, secretary.

The City of Whitefish Study Commission elected by the voters on Nov. 2, 2004, presents this final report to the citizens of this city.

The purpose of the study commission, as defined in state law, is "to study the existing form and powers of our city government and procedures for delivery of local government services and compare them with other forms available under the laws of the state."

If some change is deemed necessary, the study commission may submit such proposed change to the electors.

In the conduct of their review, the study commission has sought advice and information from a number of people in the city. Opinions and recommendations were solicited from local government officials, community organizations and citizens.

All meetings of the study commission were open to the public. A public hearing was held to determine citizen opinion.

As a result of discussions held with the people and groups mentioned, the City of Whitefish Study Commission has concluded that there is general consensus that the existing council-manager charter form of government has served this city well since its organization in 1981 and will continue to do so in the future.

We therefore recommended no change in this form of government.

However, we do recommend and encourage the Whitefish City Council to consider changing the nayoral term to four years subject to a citizen vote.

Our final recommendation to the Whitefish City Council is to consider paying council members for their time and commitment for serving their city.