Kalispell’s fiscal year 2023 budget includes an increase of funds going toward emergency services.

Kalispell Police Department’s budget increased 1.45% to $6,109,667, compared with last years $6,022,086. The Kalispell Fire Department budget saw an 8.38% increase to $4,188,272 from last year’s $3,864,338.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that we’re experiencing a time of growth, so really evaluating where those services are at and where we need to take them into the future. We’re doing planning for police, fire and parks and really updating those and seeing where we’re at,” said Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell.

The recent population boom is continuing to push calls for service higher for both police and fire.

According to the police department, calls increased by 3,000 since 2020, but the number of patrol officers stayed about the same, with 24 personnel.

For the first time in KPD’s history, they will bring in an outside firm to do a study on what the department will need in coming years and how to best prepare.

“It’s going to bring professionals from different agencies around the nation that will come in and provide ideas for efficiency and also project what realistic growth should look like,” said Kalispell Police Chief Doug Overman.

KPD also requested funds to purchase two updated emergency response vehicles, two in-car Watchguard systems, updated radio equipment and an exhaust system for the BEAR to trap smoke while running in the fire bay at Station 62.

Over at the fire station, the additional funding will help with repairs and updates to Station 62, updating outdated or broken fire equipment and new radio equipment for both fire and EMS.

Officials say the increased calls for service are taking a toll.

“When guys are doing 20 to 30 calls a shift repeatedly, it gets very tiresome. None of us can be staffed enough to cover all of these calls,” said Kalispell Fire Chief Dan Pearce.

According to the chief on average the department responds to 15 calls a day.

As the department is filling vacant positions and maintains a full staff of 32 positions, the department is also eyeing a new station, which they hope will help with coverage and response times.

“The growth is continuing to happen, and we are planning for 2023. As far as going to the public with a bond levy for a new fire station, we’re going to have to do that for the growth that’s happening now but also to prepare for the future,” said Pearce.