State Library staff demonstrate new Montana Cadastral tool and show how patrons can find geocode for property tax rebate

Kenny Ketner, information products lead at the Montana State Library, gave a webinar to the advisory board and library staff demonstrating the updated Montana Cadastral mapping application, which combines geospatial parcel boundaries with Department of Revenue property and owner information.

"It is tax information, owner information, deed information, land use," Ketner said, explaining what "cadastral" data contains and how the State Library integrates map layers with owner and appraisal details. He described the new application as mobile-first, with multiple base-map imagery options, a swipe tool to compare aerial imagery across years, and the ability to generate PDF property reports (including a clickable link back to the property in the application).

Ketner emphasized the practical use for local library staff during the state's property tax rebate period: patrons often need the property's geocode to complete the Department of Revenue rebate form. He walked through common search methods — owner name, address, and direct geocode — and demonstrated copying the geocode from the property details pane for use on the rebate form. Ketner noted that the cadastral data is a "best effort" reference drawn from Department of Revenue and statewide GIS data and included the standard legal disclaimer that the tool is not an authoritative legal document for engineering or legal boundary disputes.

Why it matters: the library will likely help patrons find geocodes for the property tax rebate; staff training and documentation (user guide, FAQ, knowledge base article) aim to reduce confusion and speed public assistance during the rebate period.

Ketner closed by pointing participants to the State Library's feedback and help-desk links and offered to answer follow-up questions by email.