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Commissioners removed levy from ballot.
The Missoula County commissioners decided to remove the infrastructure mill levy from the November general election ballot at a public meeting on Aug. 21. The commission originally voted Aug. 8 to place the measure on the ballot to allow voters countywide to decide on the five-mill levy that would fund county infrastructure projects.
The commission directed Elections Office staff to remove the measure from the Nov. 8 ballot at the meeting, and they will take official action on the decision at their Thursday, Aug. 22, administrative public meeting. The commissioners based the decision on continued concerns about the property taxContinue reading
The Missoula County commissioners decided to remove the infrastructure mill levy from the November general election ballot at a public meeting on Aug. 21. The commission originally voted Aug. 8 to place the measure on the ballot to allow voters countywide to decide on the five-mill levy that would fund county infrastructure projects.
The commission directed Elections Office staff to remove the measure from the Nov. 8 ballot at the meeting, and they will take official action on the decision at their Thursday, Aug. 22, administrative public meeting. The commissioners based the decision on continued concerns about the property tax climate and also cited increased optimism that the 2025 Legislature will significantly reform property taxes to shift the burden of any increases away from homeowners. Click here to read more.
If approved by voters, the mill levy would generate around $1.8 million annually, beginning in 2025 (fiscal year 2026) to fund maintenance, construction, repairs and other improvements to county roads, bridges and trails. The estimated property tax impact would be $6.75 a year for every $100,000 in assessed market value.
Current revenue to fund these activities is approximately $7.6 million, which comes from property taxes, the state gas tax, and other state and federal sources. Missoula County Public Works estimates the department needs an additional $4.3 million annually to fully fund the County’s infrastructure needs. If passed, the mill levy could also provide funding for federal grants that often require matching funds from local government.
If approved in November, the County would prioritize using the funding to repave County-maintained roads and provide matching funds when applying for federal grants to replace aging bridges.
State law limits annual county property tax increases to one-half the rate of inflation over the last three years, and the additional funding the County needs for infrastructure exceeds the County’s cap. Local governments can ask voters to approve mill levies and bonds to provide additional revenue outside of this cap. If passed, this mill levy would provide a dedicated revenue source that could only be used to fund county infrastructure projects.
Submit public comment on the proposed infrastructure mill levy.
Commissioners removed levy from ballot.
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We do not need another levy. Existing taxes should cover infrastructure, fire protection and the sheriff's department first and foremost, then, if there is money left over you can fund special projects. This is a budgeting issue and a misappropriation of existing funds. Perhaps you should cancel the annexation and remodel of the Federal Building formerly occupied by the Forest Service.
Taxestoohigh
3 months ago
No new levies. Period.
Concerned taxpayer
3 months ago
The money grab never ends in Missoula. Driving up taxes with another “need” is pathetic. The county/city needs to restructure their “needs” and live with what they have available now. The spending of taxpayer funds for ridiculous uses (Marshall Mountain) is so out of line for actual use by the public. I realize that repairs can be needed, but the Montana taxpayers cannot stretch their dollars any more. The county/city should figure out how to utilize funds. I’m totally fed up!
Ianthe
3 months ago
Rather than a new mill levy, I believe there is ample room in the current budget.
Jeffk
3 months ago
Tourism uses and benefits from Missoula Country's resources. Consider taxing this industry for contribution to maintaing and enhancing our infrastructure. Home owners are already heavily taxed and dollar stretched.
MLC 59801
3 months ago
It is absurd and insulting to provide such limited notice for yet another tax increase. The county should explore all other options prior to raising taxes, especially since all residents are suffering from the economic downturn and inflationary pressures. Congress passed a $1.2 Trillion infrastructure spending bill, from which it appears Missoula has received a disproportionately small share. The county needs to demonstrate that every effort has been made to acquire federal support before raising our taxes again. Do the work. Don't take the lazy way out.
Basweatland
3 months ago
Retire existing debt $ for $ before incurring more debt.
We do not need another levy. Existing taxes should cover infrastructure, fire protection and the sheriff's department first and foremost, then, if there is money left over you can fund special projects. This is a budgeting issue and a misappropriation of existing funds. Perhaps you should cancel the annexation and remodel of the Federal Building formerly occupied by the Forest Service.
No new levies. Period.
The money grab never ends in Missoula. Driving up taxes with another “need” is pathetic. The county/city needs to restructure their “needs” and live with what they have available now. The spending of taxpayer funds for ridiculous uses (Marshall Mountain) is so out of line for actual use by the public. I realize that repairs can be needed, but the Montana taxpayers cannot stretch their dollars any more. The county/city should figure out how to utilize funds. I’m totally fed up!
Rather than a new mill levy, I believe there is ample room in the current budget.
Tourism uses and benefits from Missoula Country's resources. Consider taxing this industry for contribution to maintaing and enhancing our infrastructure. Home owners are already heavily taxed and dollar stretched.
It is absurd and insulting to provide such limited notice for yet another tax increase. The county should explore all other options prior to raising taxes, especially since all residents are suffering from the economic downturn and inflationary pressures. Congress passed a $1.2 Trillion infrastructure spending bill, from which it appears Missoula has received a disproportionately small share. The county needs to demonstrate that every effort has been made to acquire federal support before raising our taxes again. Do the work. Don't take the lazy way out.
Retire existing debt $ for $ before incurring more debt.
Removed by moderator.