MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana’s property tax task force submitted 12 written recommendations last week to ease the financial burden on taxpayers in what Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick called a “mixed package.”
“I applaud their efforts. These people have put in a lot of effort, they’ve put in a lot of effort, they’ve listened by inviting people to give presentations,” Slotnick said. “And I think they acted in good faith, but I don’t agree with everything they’ve put out.”
The proposals are about limiting local control, Slotnick told NBC Montana, adding that tax policy should reflect the economic reality of each individual county rather than a single, statewide tax policy.
The Missoula County Commissioner disagrees with a recommendation that requires 60% of voters to approve a levy. Currently, a simple majority is required.
“To me, this feels like the governor’s commission is saying, ‘We don’t want to see levies passed ever again,'” Slotnick said. “And that’s really arrogant, it means, ‘We here on this commission know better what you, Missoula taxpayers, have to say than you do.'”
Slotnick is “very enthusiastic” about the task force’s idea of creating a property tax exemption. This would lower tax rates on primary residences, long-term rentals and some commercial properties.
“I really like that. I think it will lower property taxes for most homeowners in Montana and put a bigger burden on people who own very expensive homes and quite a burden on second homes,” he said.
Slotnick stressed that it is a long process for these ideas to become law, but that their implementation will have an impact on Missoula taxpayers.
NBC Montana reached out to Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist, who served on the task force, to get her thoughts on the recommendations, but she did not respond before deadline.
