The Missoula County Commissioners approved a new budget for next year, focusing on increasing funds for public safety and keeping the increase within the margins of recent high inflation.
The commissioners also approved an increase for the Seeley Refuse District, increasing annual prices for district ratepayers from $180 to $200. Out of district fees also increased.
For a person living outside of Missoula City limits, county taxes will be approximately $314 for every 100,000 in value of the home, not including local mills like the Seeley Lake Rural Fire Department. The tax increase will be about $80 per $100,000 value of a home annually.
That number is technically lower than last year, but taxable revenue rose significantly after the Montana Department of Revenue reassessed property values statewide. Missoula County residential values on average increased 37%, frustrating some Seeley Lake residents with high tax bills, the Pathfinder previously reported.
The budget from tax revenue grew to $70.6 million, a 5.4% increase or $3.6 million. At the same time, interest climbed to 5.9% for 2023. Commissioner Josh Slotnik said in its budget meeting on Sept. 7 that most of the revenue will go to the county’s base budget.
Much of that funding will be given to basic need agencies in the county, like the Sheriff’s Office, 911 dispatch and more. There are 855 full-time employees for the county, most of whom are due a state-required pay raise.
The county also invested several one time purchases in and out of the city limits. The Missoula County Commissioners said they already declined more than $1.8 million in one time requests, including the opportunity to create 13 new jobs in Missoula.
Yet the county spent a few million on one-time fees, with some of the money coming from the county’s previous budget savings. One fee included help to fund the Johnson Street Shelter, but Commissioner Juanita Vero clarified that those funds came from taxes raised within the city limits.
At the Seeley Refuse District, commissioners said the price increase is because of three factors: there is a higher volume of use from the district, parts and supplies for the site have increased, and partner company Republic Services has also started charging a higher rate.
For non-rate payers, prices will increase to $6 per 32-gallon bag of trash, or $25 per cubic yard. Fees for yard debris, appliances, construction materials, furniture and tires will all increase at a slight rate.
The new fees will be in effect once residents receive their tax bills in October, and Sept. 15 for out of district users and specialty items.
Read the detailed budget at missoulacountyvoice.com
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