Candidates look at property tax issues

We had a round table meeting back in mid-July with legislators, candidates and lakeshore property owners about property taxes. The problems that were brought up, however, impact all property tax payers and not just lakeshore owners.

The biggest problem we heard was the inefficient, inconvenient and unfair appraisal/reappraisal process. We heard stories of people being bullied by appraisers, as well as inconsistencies in appraisal factors between properties. There are some serious problems with property taxes that need to be addressed. Both sides of the aisle agree on that, and in some cases, we agree on the solution.

The Republicans currently hold the majority in the House and Senate and are expected to hold it in the next session as well. With a Republican majority comes Republican control of all committees. That means that the minority party, regardless of how good their ideas and solutions might be, are at a disadvantage to getting their bills passed.

Property tax relief is a goal for both of us. We will provide a strong voice in Helena for HD5 and SD3. Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns and ideas.

— Chet Billi is a Republican candidate for HD5 and Keith Regier is a Republican candidate for SD3