[Gay State Conservative]

That's pretty damn steep. But one question that can be asked is what's happened to the actual open market value of his place? If it's skyrocketed in the last few years that could partially explain the rise. Aren't rich Marxists from Kalifornia and Washington moving there by the millions?

[drwoof]

It’s always interesting to talk to other ‘property owners’ who feel they do actually ‘own’ their home. I tell them to stop paying their taxes if they want to find out who REALLY owns it. Gives folks cause for pause.

[ansel12]

We saw this in California.

Someone would buy a house on the coast in the 1940s or 50s and do the commute and inconvenience of living away from the heart of town and eventually pay it off and retire and then property taxes become so high 25-35 years later that their old pensions and retirement couldn’t keep up with the massive payments.

I saw a lot of old people in dire situations in places like La Jolla, Prop 13 helped.

[Regulator]

He lives in Kalispell.

Property values have tripled there since about 2012, most of it in the last 3 years due to the massive influx from coastal cities during Covid.

Montana has no mechanism like California’s Prop 13 to protect people on fixed incomes. So these kind of personal disaster stories are becoming common. Lots of the old ranch people simply have to sell out and head elsewhere, usually Arizona or Nevada.

[Bonemaker]

“...what’s happened to the actual open market value of his place..”

Tax shouldn’t be based on open market value! It should be based on the actual budget needed to run the filthy government! Otherwise the bastards have license to endlessly increase tax as long as housing prices increase.

[lastchance]

“Aren’t rich Marxists from Kalifornia and Washington moving there by the millions?”

I think Montana has long been a desired destination for 2nd homes if not for permanent change of residency. Those that do move there probably demand all sorts of government provided improvements and services.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

It's my understanding that one of the reasons people in the NE move to Florida when they retire is they can no longer afford the property taxes on their homes.

Keeping roads free of potholes, police and firefighters employed, etc. costs more and more money each year.

When I lived in Louisville, CO the house prices started to soar, but the Republican government decided they didn't need lots more money to run the town. They lowered the mill levy which is basically what the appraised home value is multiplied by to come up with the tax. This kept our taxes relatively constant.

[Theodore R.]

MT like TX has lots of hidden taxea.

[guest7]

"That's pretty damn steep. But one question that can be asked is what's happened to the actual open market value of his place?..."

"The Land Value Property Tax Assistance Program for Residential Property (LVPTAP) helps residential property owners if the value of their land is disproportionately higher than the value of their home or other buildings on their land and the land has been in their family for at least 30 years."

Howard Jarvis, father of Prop 13. "Flathead County does not send an additional statement for the May 31st 2nd installment of Real Estate Taxes.

Interest of 5/6 of 1% per month plus 2% penalty must accompany delinquent taxes paid after due dates. This amount must be obtained by contacting the Treasurer's office PRIOR to payment."

They imported California Land Owners, but didn't import "Prop 13".

Howard Jarvis, father of "Prop 13".