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Pondera County to ask voters to renew library levy for Conrad and Valier
Summary
The Pondera County Commission voted to place an eight-year continuing levy for the Conrad and Valier public libraries on the June 2, 2026 ballot. The levy would generate about $428,817 annually (roughly 20.88 mills) beginning tax year 2026 to fund operations under a distribution agreement between the libraries.
The Board of Pondera County Commissioners voted to place a continuing voted tax levy for the Conrad and Valier public libraries on the June 2, 2026 primary ballot.
Under Resolution No. 19 (2025/26) the levy would generate approximately $428,817 per year (about 20.88 mills), plus an inflationary factor allowed under Montana law, beginning with tax year 2026 for a period of eight years. The resolution states the fiscal impact on a home with a $100,000 market value would be about $15.87 per year; for a $300,000 home the estimate is $47.61, and for a $600,000 home $108.99. The board adopted the resolution on Feb. 4, 2026 by a 3–0 vote.
The Conrad and Valier library boards entered a written agreement dated May 11, 2024 that the resolution references for the distribution of funds should voters approve the levy. The resolution directs the County Clerk and Recorder and County Attorney to finalize ballot language consistent with the agreement and Montana law.
Commissioner Zane Drishinski moved to place the measure on the ballot; Commissioner Thomas A. Kuka seconded and the motion carried. The minutes show no recorded public opposition at the meeting; the board’s action formally permits voters to approve or reject the levy on June 2.
If approved by voters, the levy would be a continuation of a voter-approved levy first passed in 2022 that expired in tax year 2025. The resolution notes the prior levy generated approximately $428,817 in 2025. The ballot form included in the resolution lists the simple for/against language to appear on the ballot and the stated estimated fiscal impacts.
Next steps: subject to approval by the County Clerk and Recorder and County Attorney, the ballot question will be included on the June 2, 2026 ballot. The county did not set an implementation date beyond the levy beginning with tax year 2026.
