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The state legislature sets a cap that restricts how much money cities can raise through property tax mill levies. The special
assessments are NOT subject to these caps. This allows the city government more room to raise your taxes over and above
the general tax cap. However, let me also be clear that we are seeing a 10-mill reduction in the general tax this year and
most of your tax increase is due to the drastic increases within the special districts. I was able to obtain the cap
calculations from city staff and we are indeed nearly 19 mills below our cap. We are also taking a one-time remittance
from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency which is funded by Tax Increment Financing. All in all, I think this is a net
positive for our over-burdened property tax payers.
Tax increment Financing money raised within a specific geographic area that is above and beyond what the tax base was at
the time it was created. This money cannot be spent for police, fire, schools etc. Instead it is used to pay for special
projects within the district. A prime example is the walking bridge over South Reserve Street. We were able to take a one-
time remittance with a portion going to the county, to the schools, and some to our general fund. Instead of raising mill
levy taxes which we could have done, the Mayor opted for the remittance. This “claws back” money paid by taxpayers in
past years from MRA, so the city can spend it in FY2019.
The mayor originally wanted to add 3 new police officers but due to “low property valuations” he had to reduce that
number to 2. After speaking to our police officers on many occasions and listening to the citizens of the West side
neighborhood, I believe this is a reduction we should not make. So, I suggested that we take more of a remittance from TIF
to pay for the additional officer. This idea is being studied by city staff and we will be voting on it next Wednesday.
In my opinion, there are three key things to watch for in future years. The first thing to look for is rising property
valuations. If your property valuation rises you will be paying more money even money even if the city does not raise
mills. If the pattern of the two-year valuation cycle holds, we will see a dramatic increase in residential and business
appraisals in 2019. Second, we need to be cautious of special districts. Third, we must address the key issue which is city
spending. If spending increases above what new development will fund, your taxes will increase.
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PRESS RELEASE .
Please get engaged and get involved at the local level by attending city council meetings Monday’s at 7 PM at 140 West
Pine Street and share your story.
Sincerely,
Jesse L. Ramos
Missoula Ward 4 City Councilman