County staff detail multiple state bills to watch; letters of opposition sent on property-tax measures

County legislative staff briefed the Board on several bills and policy proposals before the Montana Legislature and reported that the county has already sent letters of opposition on two measures affecting voter-approved levies.

Staff said SB205 (sponsored by Sen. Hertz) would change the voter-approval threshold for property tax levies and bonds by imposing a turnout-based rule: elections with fewer than 50% of eligible electors voting would require a 60% supermajority in favor to pass, while elections meeting at least a 50% turnout would continue to use a simple majority standard. Staff said the practical effect would be that most nonpresidential-year elections would likely fall under the 60% requirement. The transcript records that the county’s legislative team has transmitted an opposition message on SB205.

Staff also discussed SP204…