Benefits without taxation: Flip side of the coin
In keeping with the current American problem-solving method, I think we should build a big old fence around the city of Whitefish to keep all the "People of the Doughnut" out. As a taxpayer, I am tired of subsidizing all the city-owned and operated facilities and parks for others' benefit. For instance:
? The Whitefish Library: The city bought the property, provides maintenance and pays $37,126 in annual utilities and insurance costs.
? O'Shaughnessy Performing Arts Center: The city pays $2,900 for annual insurance and provides all the grounds maintenance. I think the city constructed the parking lots also.
? The Wave: The city bought the property and paid for the parking lot at a cost of $750,000. The building was deeded to the city so the city could provide annual property insurance costs of $11,000.
? Skateboard Park: The city provided the lot at no cost
? Ice Skating Rink: The city contributed $300,000 toward the project.
? The city also supports City Beach, Kiddie Park, Golden Agers, Snow Bus and Eagle Transit.
Throw in the other city-maintained parks and bike trails that the tax-paying residents subsidize and one will quickly see this is a substantial investment that the "People of the Doughnut" are able to enjoy and use for free.
Perhaps the "People of the Doughnut" should be issued a swipe card so that every time they frequent one of the city's parks or facilities, a charge will be levied to offset the investments made by city taxpayers.
It is unfortunate that the "People of the Doughnut" fail to recognize that the value of their property has increased enormously over the years. Their proximity to a fabulous, well-run town with incredible amenities and low mill-tax levy makes their investment extremely valuable.
Had they purchased property in other areas of the state, such as Geraldine, Otter, Moccasin or Martin City, they would never receive such an incredible return on their investment.
Your property has value because Whitefish has predictability in its zoning and has taken preventative steps to protect your property from inappropriate development.
We must protect our valuable lake and keep our drinking water sources clean. Without protection, water quality will deteriorate and our economy as a mountain resort town will quickly dissipate.
For those who reside in the "Benefits Without Taxation" realm, perhaps the best plan might be for the city to annex the entire doughnut so you pay your fair share of all the benefits you currently enjoy. Or the Doughnutville area can incorporate itself, form its own government and start providing its own services.
Should you decide that Whitefish is such an intolerable place to reside, I am sure Geraldine, Otter and Moccasin will welcome you with open arms.
We once had a Tri-City Planning Office that the county scuttled and left us with the current mess. Perhaps we could just try to get along and realize that we all don't get our cake and eat it, too.
Jan Metzmaker lives in Whitefish.