MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana’s property tax task force submitted 12 written recommendations last week looking to ease the financial pinch on taxpayers. The ideas are what Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick described as “a mixed bag.”
“I applaud their efforts. These people tried super hard, they put a ton of effort in, they listened, in that they had people come in and make presentations,” Slotnick said. “And I believe they operated in good faith, but I don’t agree with all they came out with.”
The proposals are about limiting local control, Slotnick told NBC Montana, adding that tax policy should reflect the economic reality of each county rather than one, statewide tax policy.
The Missoula County commissioner is not on board with a recommendation that would require 60% of voters to approve a levy. Currently, a simple majority is needed.
“This feels to me like the governor’s commission saying, ‘We don’t want any more voted-in levies to pass ever,’” Slotnick said. “And really what that is, it’s kind of arrogant, it’s kind of saying, ‘We here on this commission, we know better for you Missoula taxpayer than you know for yourself.’”
Slotnick is “most excited” about the task force’s idea for a homestead exemption. This would lower tax rates on primary residences, long-term rentals and some commercial properties.
“I really like this. I feel like this will lower residential property taxes for most homeowners in Montana and put a greater burden on people who own very expensive homes and quite a burden on your second home,” he said.
Slotnick stresses it’s a long process for these ideas to become law, but if they do, each will affect Missoula’s taxpayers.
NBC Montana reached out to Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist, who participated on the task force, to get her thoughts on the recommendations, but she did not respond prior to deadline.
