City of Columbia Falls issued the following announcement.
City of Columbia Falls’ residents will vote on the resort tax proposal in the June 2, 2020 mail-in primary ballot. On February 18, 2020, City Council adopted Resolution # 1815 Calling for the Election after City Council spent two years investigating public safety service demands, needs and funding options.
The City Council understands that our community has been turned upside down during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and that it will take time for our community to heal. Therefore, on April 6, 2020 during the Regular Council meeting, City Council voted to delay the implementation of the resort tax to October 2021 to provide a full year for economic recovery and a return to normal activity in the valley. The ballot language will reflect an effective date of October 2020 but the final effective date for the resort tax will be adopted by Ordinance after the June election.
The City Council stands behind the resort tax funding alternative for the overall good of our community. The resort tax is a long-term, 20 year, funding proposal that will be subject to economic fluctuations.
The resort tax option requires visitors to help pay for services and facilities they use, provides funding without increasing residents’ property taxes and provides property tax relief to city taxpayers. Based on an estimated $450,000 in resort tax collections, a property tax reduction of $51 would be applied to the property taxes on a $250,000 home. The $51 property tax reduction is equivalent to the incurred resort tax resulting from spending $1,700 on items subject to the resort tax.
Alternatively, if the public safety needs are funded by a $450,000 voted levy, a property tax increase of $203 would be added to the property taxes on a $250,000 home.
The City has experienced a 28% population increase since 2000 making it one of the fastest growing cities in Montana. The police department has had a 74% increase in calls for service between 2010 (6,133 calls for service) and 2019 (10,670 calls for service). We expect those numbers to continue to increase with continued growth in both population and tourism. The department consists of 9 police officers and the Police Chief providing 24/7 police coverage.
The fire department has also experienced exponential call volume growth, 43% between 2000 (178 calls for service) and 2019 (315 calls for service). The City relies on 26 volunteer firemen and a full-time Chief to respond to calls. As the population increases, the City moves closer to needing full-time paid firemen. Most critical is the availability of volunteers to answer calls during daytime hours. Currently, daytime response is primarily covered by the Fire Chief and three volunteer firemen who are retired from their regular jobs.
For specific information on items subject to or exempt from the tax or any other details or questions, please visit the City website: www.cityofcolumbiafalls.org or contact the Mayor, Council members or the City Manager, City Hall, 130 6th Street West, 892-4384 or by email: nicosias@cityofcolumbiafalls.com.
COLUMBIA FALLS RESORT TAX PROPOSAL
Proposed Resort Tax Ordinance
Please contact City Manager Susan Nicosia if you would like additional information or have any questions. Susan can be reached by email: nicosias@cityofcolumbiafalls.com, by phone at (406) 892-4384 or at City Hall, 130 6th St. West, Columbia Falls, Montana, 59912.
City of Columbia Falls Makes Top Ten Safest Places to Live in Montana List
Click Here to Read Further—-> The SafeWise Report
BACK FLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER
The City of Columbia Falls, Montana will be soliciting for back flow testing companies interested in providing back flow testing services within the City of Columbia Falls. Desired services include setting appointments, testing approximately 300 back flow assemblies for the residents of Columbia Falls, generating of test reports and coordinating with city staff. Detailed information will be posted soon – check back here or contact Public Works Director, Tyler Bradshaw, (406) 892-4430.
PRESCRIPTION DROP BOX INFORMATION
The City of Columbia Falls in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Prescription Drug Collection Program is pleased to announce that a prescription drop box located at City Hall is available for public use. Click here for more information:
Prescription Drop Box Information
Check here for the latest news and emergency notifications.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up