Kalispell, January 25, 2024
Flathead County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve 2602A: A resolution amending the mill levy for the state equalization, county high school equalization, and county elementary equalization mill levy authority for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024. To listen to the discussion, go to Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 2602a from January 25 Meeting Minutes.
In October 2023, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners joined forty-seven Montana counties and unanimously adopted a resolution to change the Mill Levy for the State Equalization Fiscal Year July 1, 2023, ending June 30, 2024. This resolution reduced the levies from 95 mills to 77.9 mills, (see original Press Release: Flathead County Commissioners Adopt a Resolution to Reduce State Levies, October 4, 2023 for more information). Flathead County property owners received their bi-annual tax bill in November with the adjusted savings amount.
However, the Department of Revenue, under the direction of the Governor’s Budget Office and Governor Gianforte, directed the counties to levy extra mills they hold in reserve to generate additional revenue from property taxpayers in Montana. The Supreme Court ordered counties to comply (see County Commissioners Disappointed with Montana State Supreme Court's Ruling). Under the direction of Governor Gianforte, the Montana Supreme Court directed all counties to levy the original 95 mills, increasing property tax payments.
What does this mean for Flathead County taxpayers? For residents who pay property tax bi-annually, their second payment due in May will increase to pay the deficit as we must comply with the request from the Department of Revenue as directed by the Governor and the Order from the Montana Supreme Court.
Flathead County is not raising property taxes. Residents will pay the amount originally due under 95 mills, with the balance being added to the second payment due in May. The County Treasurer is working through details including when taxpayers will receive their second invoice. More details will be forthcoming.
Please remember that the local county employees and Department of Revenue employees did not play a role in this decision and the work they do is centered on complying with laws passed by the Legislature.