People of Valley County

I would like to clarify some questions regarding the property taxes in Valley County. The Montana State Department of Revenue sets forth the tax formulas and it is a very complex system. To break it down, the amount billed out for fiscal year 2016 (that Valley County would receive) amounts to $3,824,672 and the amount billed out in fiscal year 2015 was $3,746,394. The total increase is $78,278 of which $58,726 is the two voted mills for the library. This leaves a total increase in non-voted tax revenue of $19,552 for Valley County.

Have a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

– Paul Tweten

County Commissioner

Editor's note: Readers interested in further clarification on tax formulas can expect coverage of a planned meeting with the Courier, city and county officials, and a representative of the Department of Revenue. Details TBA.