Dear Editor: Looking Into the Animal Shelter Permanent Mill Levy

Dear Editor,

Many folks, including the local Animal Shelter & Care Committee (AS&CC), are passionate and have concerns regarding abandoned and abused animals and their related care. Here are a few questions I believe are important for all taxpayers to consider comparing the social benefits and economic costs for the upcoming consideration of the Permanent 9 mill levy ballot issue:

• Why 9 mills, as well as why permanent (forever)?

• Should the county taxpayers finance a “conceptual” facility (without a specific approved size and plan) that will not be owned by the County (taxpayers)?

• Has a conceptual contract or MOU been developed for taxpayer understanding and consideration, dealing with potentially a “forever” contract?

• What sidebars are expected by the taxpayers for construction and operations accountability: performance standards, objectives and expected key results, key performance indicators (which would direct future Commission actions & decisions).

• Is there a guarantee that a selected non-profit organization will be in operation “forever” (like a governmental entity would be)?

• Will the county taxpayers have future guarantees that the facility will serve the county permanently (forever)?

• Our county’s geographic size is significant – covering Waterloo, Pipestone, Elk Park, areas near Willow Creek/Three Forks, Cardwell, Jefferson City, Clancy, and Montana City as well as the cities of Whitehall and Boulder – will all areas and taxpayers directly benefit?

Apparently, based on AS&CC information, there may not be county funds currently budgeted directly for animal control within the general fund budget. Are there implied funds within the Sherriff Department’s budget for public safety, covering animal control as well?

• Is there a County contract with the Lewis & Clark Animal Shelter for the placement of animals, including payment terms? If so, what has been expanded in recent years?

It is apparently assumed the current proposed permanent mill levy at 9 mills would annually raise an estimated $291,952 based upon 2021 assessed and taxable real property values. With Montana Department of Revenue reappraisals mandated every 2 years – will property values stay the same, go up, or go down? Likely no one has a perfect crystal ball. Each property in the county is unique – residences, small businesses, and agriculture.

During the last 6 years (MDOR appraisals 2015-2021), our home assessment/taxable values increased by approximately 12%, and our ranch by 66%. AG and business properties will each differ, as will each residential real property. If in the future the MDOR reappraisal process increases assessed/taxable values - automatically the 9 mills permanent levy will raise more dollars, apparently specifically only for animal control. During the next month, in Boulder, Montana City, and Whitehall, there are three discussion opportunities for taxpayers to listen, learn and ask specific questions to educate themselves regarding the permanent levy. How will it affect you in the next 5-10-15 years and beyond? Also, there is information on the AS&CC website.

Gary Carlson

Clancy, Montana