The second reading of an ordinance to create a short-term rental permit for vacation rentals, like Airbnbs, was held at the Sept. 21 Polson City Commission meeting.
According to previous Leader reporting, this is a simple annual verification permit focused on public health, life safety, emergency contact information and tracking.
While Commissioners Jen Ruggless and Carolyn Pardini supported tabling the item at the beginning of the meeting because the commission had not received sufficient public comment, City Attorney Dave Michie explained that the item needed to remain on the agenda so the commission could decide on it when it was presented.
Before opening public comment, Commissioner Lisa Rehard moved to approve the motion with a second from Lori Schrader-Young.
However, Pardini said she still supported tabling the item because she has spent a considerable amount of time speaking with the city of Columbia Falls and believes, based on the information she gathered, that the fee should be increased. The fee is currently $30, and Pardini said it doesn’t cover the staff time required to complete the permit paperwork.
Pardini described the low fee as a major concern for her.
Community Development Director Rob Edington, who presented the item, and Mayor Laura Dever both discussed bringing more details to the resolution once they established the permit. Changes to the permit could include increasing the fee later.
Rehard said that the city currently lacks jurisdiction over these rentals, and approving the permit will allow them to ensure people coming to the city are safe.
Polson resident Lisa Linnenkohl, who rents out her home as a short-term rental, said during public comment that she strongly supported the ordinance. She already complies with county and state requirements and believes it is reasonable for the city to require a permit as well.
With a motion on the floor, Ruggless moved to table the item, still seeking more public comment. That motion failed, but the motion to approve the second reading was successful.
In other business, the commission approved the Polson Redevelopment Agency Annual Financial Report. The report includes all the activities of the tax increment districts.
During the meeting, Golf Superintendent Pat Nowlen and Director of Golf Cameron Milton presented the 2027 golf fee schedule. Milton said that these fees increase slightly each year and the commission approves them by resolution. Milton said this year’s increase is 3% across the board. The commission unanimously approved this motion.
Milton and Nowlen also presented the six golf season passes donated to charitable organizations for the 2027 season. The Golf Advisory Board’s recommendation to the commission was to grant two passes to the Mission Valley Junior Golf Association, two to the Polson Rotary Club and two to the Polson Police Foundation. The commission approved the recommendation.