Property tax troubles continue

Do you understand all about property taxes in Montana? It is so confusing, and the blame in editorials and articles from our governor and the bill sponsors do not help.

Your legislature does not appraise property. That is done by the executive branch, specifically the Department of Revenue. They have to follow the Constitution. Maybe we need to change that section now.

The Legislature tried to mitigate the effects of the new property appraisals in House Bill 658. It sure didn’t work for residences in our area. The Director of Revenue, Dan Bucks, said their appraisals were “right on target.” I don’t agree.

Many of our area legislators are hosting another town hall meeting today, Thursday, Dec. 10 at Flathead Community College. The meeting will be at the performing arts building and starts at 6:30 p.m.

We have some ideas for solutions and want to hear from everyone. Last Thursday and Friday, I attended the Legislative Finance Committee meeting in Helena. We heard from the revenue department.

Informal protests are being settled at the slowest rate in our area, but then we have the largest number of protests. And, our county budgets are now in trouble. As you know, most of the property tax money is used locally.

State revenues are way down and our surplus is nearly gone. We will be in serious trouble in 2011, and there may even be a special session, although the governor has the authority to cut spending without our vote.

Has the stimulus created jobs? The only job segment that is growing is government. I am horrified by the growth in state government during the past 3 years and have never voted for any of the increases.

If you can show up on Thursday night, please do so. If not, I’ll try to give a report. I’m especially interested in working on our list of possible solutions to the property tax problems.

I have had major computer problems for the last month and I lost many e-mails. Please accept my apology if I didn’t respond.

As always call me at 849-6096, write P.O. Box 233, Dayton, MT 59914 or e-mail me at jannataylor@montana.com.