Residents share property tax reappraisal concerns with local legislators

State Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, along with other area Republican legislators gave residents a chance to air their concerns about recent property tax reappraisals at a town hall meeting Thursday, Nov. 19, in Bigfork.

"We want to hear your beef," Reichner said. "More important, I'd like to hear your solutions."

Every six years, the Montana Department of Revenue is required to reappraise properties for tax purposes. The most recent reappraisal cycle ran from Jan. 1, 2002, through July 1, 2008, which some say doesn't take into account the decline in area property values. The peak year locally for home values was in 2007. Since then, prices have continued to drop.

The assessments, mailed out in August and September, significantly raised taxable property values in Flathead and Lake counties, especially for those with lake front property. Some locals, including many at the meeting, saw increases of 200 to 400 percent.

Residents at the meeting suggested solutions that included a cap on taxes after age 65, a minimum state property tax, only cost of living increases, a flat tax, acquisition or eliminating taxes completely.

Reichner said residents will need a three-pronged approach to address the issue – encouraging action by legislators, working on a possible ballot initiative and pursuing a class-action lawsuit.

"We are willing to go to bat and change the law," he said. "We are willing to present to the governor and ask for a special session. Whether or not it goes is another thing."

Read more in the Nov. 26 print edition of the Bigfork Eagle.