Informational Meeting on Haskill Basin Planned Thursday, March 26th

(Whitefish, Mont) -- Whitefish residents and business owners are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on the Haskill Basin project on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. at the I.A. O'Shaughnessey Center in Whitefish. The one hour meeting will include a presentation from Mayor John Muhlfeld, Q & A, and refreshments. The event is sponsored by Vote Yes for Water, Protect Haskill Basin, Treasurer Fred Jones.

The Whitefish City Council has referred a measure to voters that will allow the City of Whitefish to protect 3020 acres in Haskill Basin that have provide 75% of Whitefish's drinking water for over a century, by purchasing a 3020 acre easement. This ballot measure would also provide permanent access to Haskill Basin that has been enjoyed for biking, hiking, skiing and hunting by local residents for many years. "We are trying to reach out to as many residents and business owners as we can to answer their questions and educate them on this project before they vote," said Mayor John Muhlfeld.

Approximately $7.7 million in funds raised by the proposed increase in the City's resort tax from 2% to 3% would be used to leverage $9 million in federal grants that pay more than half the cost of the easement to protect Haskill Basin, continue sustainable timber harvest to maintain local jobs and provide wild fire mitigation, as well as preserve wildlife habitat and permanent recreational access.

Currently owned by F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company, the value of the easement is estimated at $20.6 million, but Stoltze has agreed to a price of $16.7 million, making a significant contribution to the community. While 70% of resort tax funds would go toward the easement purchase for protection of Haskill Basin, 25% would provide additional property tax relief for Whitefish homeowners and businesses, and 5% would be devoted toward merchants' cost of administration.

The 2% resort tax was voted favorably by Whitefish citizens in 1996 and then re-approved by a vote in 2004. Seven of the eight communities in Montana have enacted the tax at the full 3% allowed by the legislature. Whitefish is the only town to enact the 2% tax. For more information, please visit www.protectwhitefishwater.org