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Bill would require advisory committees so taxing jurisdictions have a seat in TIF decisions
Summary
Senate Bill 3 would require local governments that adopt tax increment financing provisions to appoint advisory committees with representatives from affected taxing jurisdictions, increasing transparency and input for urban renewal and TIF decisions, supporters told the House Taxation Committee.
Senate Bill 3 would require the legislative body of a local government that adopts a tax increment financing (TIF) provision to appoint an advisory committee to advise on administration of the urban renewal area or targeted economic development area, sponsor testimony said.
Supporters including the City of Bozeman, the Montana Quality Education Coalition and the Montana League of Cities and Towns said the measure improves local oversight and gives affected taxing jurisdictions — such as school districts and counties — a voice in how TIF districts are administered. "We support opportunities for those public conversations and decision making processes, about this tool, within urban renewal districts," Dani Hess told the committee on behalf of the City of Bozeman.
Other supporters included the Montana Chamber of Commerce and local developers. "It seems appropriate to ensure more important oversight in the application of TIF," Dan Brooks of the Billings Chamber of Commerce said, noting Billings already uses advisory committees for some TIF districts.
Sponsor remarks described the change as a "light touch" that changes composition and representation in existing renewal boards; the sponsor asked the committee to pass the bill while noting broader TIF reforms may come later. Department of Revenue-related questions focused on statutory references; the sponsor pointed to existing law and said the bill mainly changes representation.
There were no opponents who testified in the committee record for SB 3 during this hearing. The bill gathered several municipal and business supporters who urged a do-pass recommendation.
