Missoula County Removes Infrastructure Mill Levy From Ballot

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Citing their hopes that the upcoming 2025 Montana Legislature will provide some solutions to the state’s chronic property tax problems, the Missoula County Commissioners have chosen to remove an infrastructure levy from the upcoming November general election ballot.

I spoke with County Commissioner Josh Slotnick on Tuesday, who provided an explanation.

Commissioner Slotnick Explained Why He Removed the Levy

“This is part of a conversation that's happening statewide all around property tax reform, and we all are looking toward the legislative session and to the legislature for really addressing property tax reform in a way I think they never have before,” began Slotnick. “I mean, this is going to be the number one issue this session.”

Slotnick said he was putting his confidence in the legislature to provide infrastructure funding.

“Everyone knows that roads and bridges are super important and better roads and bridges cost money,” he said. “No one wants to pay more money. All true. Instead of having to face off against that tough dilemma, we're just going to wait and see if the legislature is actually successful in delivering real change on property tax reform, and if they do, we may have new options that we don't have right now.”

Slotnick Said He is Cautiously Optimistic About the Upcoming Session

Slotnick did add that he is now ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the upcoming legislative session.

“Cautiously optimistic,” he said. “I think that's a good way to describe it. I mean, there were some recommendations that came out of this task force. One of them especially, is super good. I'm really excited about the homestead exemption and the ‘homestead’ exemption. But these could really help people, small businesses, homeowners, and renters. It could provide real relief. There were some other recommendations that are going to make life more difficult, so it's a mixed bag.”

READ MORE: Governor Requests Federal Disaster Relief After Missoula Storm

He Blamed Governor Gianforte for His Veto of House Bill 442

Slotnick blamed Republican Governor Greg Gianforte for vetoing a bill in the last session that might have provided some relief.

“It was House Bill 442, which the governor famously vetoed at the 11th hour,” he said. “I think it was 99 to one in the Senate, and very popular in a bipartisan way, and he vetoed it. There was money in there from marijuana sales to help with county roads. So there was a real desire in the legislature to see some more money put towards infrastructure, and if something like that comes back. That could be really helpful.”

According to the county press release, “State law limits annual county property tax increases to one-half the rate of inflation, and the additional funding the county needs for infrastructure exceeds the county’s cap.”