Keila Szpaller

(Daily Montanan) Montana Speaker of the House Brandon Ler criticized an 8% tax hike in Missoula County and said the increase is evidence more property tax reform is needed in the Treasure State.

“Montanans deserve stability, not surprise increases every budget cycle,” said Ler, a Republican from Savage, in a statement earlier this week. “It’s time to have a serious discussion about putting limits on local mill increases in future sessions so families can plan and budget with confidence.”

But Missoula County Commissioners said the impact on residential homeowners actually amounts to an 11% decrease — and the dollars are mostly going to paying a living wage for staff to provide services residents expect.

Even with the decrease for residential payers, the county budget can

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