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Missoula Current - Missoula County Joins Others in Seeking AG opinion on State Mills

Missoula County on Tuesday placed its official support behind an effort lead by Beaverhead County that's challenging the state's “consistent” levying of certain mills despite a provision in Montana law that requires a reduction in mills when taxable values increase

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    Missoula Current - Missoula County Joins Others in Seeking AG opinion on State Mills
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    Read the article at the Missoula Current by Martin Kidston
    Excerpt:
    “This year, taxable values calculated by the Montana Department of Revenue resulted in a sharp jump with an average increase of 40% or more in the assessed value of homes.
    While it has led to outrage from statewide property owners, it also has drawn the concern of local governments, which believe the state's so-called 95 mills should be subject to the same rules that govern local mills.
    “Amid historic increases to property values across Montana, it's time to clarify and correct the state's course of action regarding these 95 mills,” a letter signed by Missoula County commissioners states. “Unless the state is directed to follow the law and adjust their levying authority downward, Montana property owners will continue to be illegally overtaxed.”
    The letter is addressed to Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who has been asked by Beaverhead County to issue an opinion regarding the calculation of the statewide school equalization mills.
    Several counties believe the 95 mills should be subject to the same cap as the mills levied by local governments. Unlike local mills, the state's 95 mills haven't been adjusted downward.
    “Across the state, it will generate more than $70 million in additional revenue,” Missoula County CAO Chris Lounsbury said the state's 95 mills.
    Missoula County believes the equalization should come from the state's income tax collection, which has experienced record surpluses. This year, the state reported a surplus of roughly $2 billion.
    “The use of property taxes is not a fair or appropriate method, especially when paid out of the pockets of Montana homeowners and renters during an already difficult reappraisal year,” the county said. “While all forms of taxation have their flaws, income tax at least has some correlation to the ability to pay those taxes, while property taxes impact those on fixed incomes more than others.”
    Missoula County joins others in seeking opinion on state mills
    Missoula County on Tuesday placed its official support behind an effort lead by Beaverhead County that's challenging the state's “consistent” levying of certain mills despite a provision in Montana law that requires a reduction in mills when taxable values increase.
    Missoula County joins others in seeking opinion on state mills
    https://missoulacurrent.com/missoula-state-mills/
    Missoula County joins others in seeking opinion on state mills

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