Infrastructure Mill Levy 2025
Overview
The Missoula County commissioners voted at their Aug. 7 public meeting to place a $1.8 million levy on the ballot to fund county infrastructure projects. Voters across Missoula County will vote on the measure in the Nov. 4 election.
What would it pay for?
If approved by voters, the levy would fund maintenance, construction, repairs and other improvements to county roads, bridges and trails, starting in 2026. The estimated property tax impact would be approximately $26.21 a year for a home with an assessed market value of $600,000.
Current revenue to fund these activities is approximately $6.13 million, which comes from property taxes, the state gas tax, and other state and federal sources. Missoula County Public Works budgets $4.58 million toward personnel, which is paid for out of the Road and Bridge Fund. This accounts for salaries and benefits for 39 full-time staff. It also includes worker's comp, overtime and other costs. Salaries vary by position, but operators make $34 an hour, on average. Click here to view the infrastructure needs presentation that includes more details about current revenues and costs.
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.
Public hearing
The commissioners held a public hearing and and voted to place the measure on the ballot at their Aug. 7 public meeting.
Public comment
Use the tools below to submit public comment or ask a question.
Who's Listening
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Phone 406-258-4818 Email jmitchell@missoulacounty.us
No more levies. Taxes are high enough as it is. I pay taxes and my roads are crap. Almost no maintenance year round. Learn to prioritize a little better.
Might be needed but you already have me up against the wall with tax debt. My Missoula County Retirement doesn't even come close to covering expense increases. 72 years old, 2 heart surgeries later, and I STILL HAVE TO WORK TO MAKE ENDS MEET!
Steve Earle
Missoula County's infrastructure benefits all who live AND visit here. Home owners should not be the only ones to finance. Find a way to tax the numerous tourists who love visiting and using our roads, bridges and trails.
No to another levy, quit adding more taxes!