The upcoming property tax year could be a little easier on homeowners and renters than last year.

The operative word in that sentence is could. Here’s why this year could be easier, not a slam-dunk “will be easier.”

Three policy-generated numbers mathematically merge in a complex equation to determine what you pay in property taxes: 1) the state’s assessed value of your property; 2) the state’s tax rate applied to your property; and 3) every city and county’s total ask in taxes for the year (for the sake of simplicity, schools won’t be part of this particular explanation).

Cities and counties determine the size of the property tax pie (No. 3); state policy determines the size of your slice (Nos. 1 and 2). State law already caps how much cities and counties can increase the size of the pie, with a few exceptions falling outside of that cap, including voted bonds and levies and new properties that have come online in the last year.

2024 is not a reappraisal year, so the value of your home will not go up, for tax purposes. The Legislature also won’t meet this year, so the residential property rate will remain at 1.35%. So, for many jurisdictions across the state, if there are no voted bonds or levies, residential property taxes should only increase by the statutorily mandated one-half of the 3-year average of inflation. That should be the case, but it won’t be. Given that the tax pie is finite, if one piece gets smaller, another must get bigger.

There are 16 classifications of property, each with a different appraisal method and tax rate. The centrally assessed tax classification (telecoms, railroads, pipelines, airlines and NorthWestern Energy) appeal their valuations every year, regardless of where we are in the re-appraisal cycle. This process is underway, and they had until June 20 to submit their protests. These industries have deployed fleets of attorneys to Helena to contest their valuations. These negotiations happen behind closed doors and are always successful in reducing values for these industries.

This dramatically affects residential property taxpayers. When corporations in these industries successfully argue for a reduction in their value, they reduce the taxes they pay and increase yours. When the national telecoms, railroads, airlines, pipelines and NorthWestern Energy get a tax break in Montana, the size of their piece of the property tax pie gets smaller. That means someone else’s piece necessarily gets bigger – yours. When these corporations’ property taxes go down, yours go up. Residential taxpayers cover the costs of tax breaks for the centrally assessed industries. Even if cities’ and counties’ total tax levies remain the same this year, the state granting a reduction in value for centrally assessed property will make residential property taxes go up.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

If the centrally assessed industries were to acknowledge the massive property tax gut punch for homeowners and renters in 2023 and just sit out this round of appeals, that could really help your 2024 property taxes. For many of these national corporations, Montana is a tiny piece of their market. These reductions won’t matter much for them, but the property tax increases for Montanans sure will.

National telecoms, railroads, pipelines, airlines and NorthWestern Energy should just say no when it comes to appealing their respective valuations. The Montana employees and customers who need to afford to live here deserve your consideration more than your shareholders.

That’s not the only way to avoid this situation, though. If the Department of Revenue, at the direction of the governor, didn’t cave during these negotiations but instead stood tall for homeowners and renters and didn’t reduce these valuations, that could keep your property taxes down.

The state’s Property Tax Task Force is meeting now. Productive property tax conversations are happening in interim legislative committees and across the state. But 2025 is a long way off in terms of relief. Things could be better this year. National telecoms, railroads, airlines, pipelines and NorthWestern Energy should not appeal their valuations. And if they do, the Department of Revenue should make the negotiations public.

That actually would help.

Missoula County Commissioners Dave Strohmaier, Juanita Vero and Josh Slotnick.

Updated: 40 seconds ago Published: 1 hour ago

Firefighters on Saturday were battling a rapidly growing fire about 2 miles northeast of the community of Montana Creek — near Mile 95 of the Parks Highway — as warm, dry conditions in much of the state fueled additional fire activity.

The Montana Creek Fire, which was reported around 3:15 p.m. Saturday, grew quickly from a quarter acre to about 20 acres, Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection officials wrote in an update. By 6:30 p.m. Saturday, the fire was estimated between 70 and 100 acres, KTNA reported, based on information from state fire officials.

At least three wildland fire engines, two helicopters, two scoopers, a fire retardant aircraft and a load of smokejumpers were responding, among other resources, fire officials wrote in their post. Flames up to 5 feet were observed and trees were torched as the blaze burns in an area with black spruce, fire officials wrote.

Crews were making progress Saturday evening, a public information officer told KTNA.

The Parks Highway remained open Saturday evening, but drivers were asked to slow down and use caution in the fire area as crews continued to fight the blaze and work between Mile 94 and 98, fire officials said. Alaska State Troopers said around 5:30 p.m. Saturday that residential roads between Mile 94 and 98 were “only open to residential traffic.”

The Upper Susitna Community & Senior Center said on Facebook that it was open for anyone needing shelter as a result of the Montana Creek Fire.

State fire officials said that burn suspensions continue to remain in effect for the Matanuska-Susitna, Valdez/Copper River, Fairbanks, Delta and Tok areas until conditions improve.

On the Kenai Peninsula, a wildfire near Tustumena Lake in the Kasilof area forced evacuations of the nearby Tustumena Lake Campground, borough officials wrote in a social media post.

Personnel from Central Emergency Services and the state Division of Forestry and Fire Protection were responding to the fire, and more air and ground resources were on the way, Kenai Peninsula Borough officials wrote.

The borough said its Office of Emergency Management has activated a call center at 907-262-4636 for non-emergency calls about the Tustumena fire management operations.

In Interior Alaska, crews are monitoring and responding to multiple wildfires, including some that have been burning for several days.

Additional information about wildfire response in Alaska is available at akfireinfo.com.

The majestic state of Montana, home to several national parks and a multitude of state, city, and county parks, is also home to a plethora of historical and cultural locales as well. Montana is known by some as the Land of Big Sky and others as the Treasure State, a premier location for some of the best weekend getaways in the United States. Discover nine of the most ideal three-day weekend retreats, from Glacier National Park and the Going-To-The-Sun road to Whitefish Lake and Whitefish Lake State Park, that will astound and excite every member of the family.

West Glacier

The pastoral town of West Glacier is home to the Glacier National Park, which offers a multitude of outdoor activities, like kayaking and fishing in Lake McDonald and taking a drive with the family along the Going-to-the-Sun road. It is also home to many restaurants and other establishments that are worth visiting, especially if you haven’t had the opportunity before. Belton Grill at the Historic Belton Chalet serves up a tasty Pappardelle and the Great Northern Railway Cafe has everything from frozen yogurt to a fresh Reuben sandwich. There are also a variety of shops in West Glacier, like Swan Mountain Outfitters, that are ready to provide anything you might need, on the trail or otherwise.

Big Timber

The town of Big Timber, home to Crazy Mountain Museum, Natural Bridge Falls, and the Big Timber Pro Rodeo, is also home to less than two thousand permanent residents. This does not prevent this quaint mountain town from having several attractions perfect for that 3-day weekend getaway. Many great eateries and lodging choices are in Big Timber, including Grand Hotel & Restaurant, offering a tasty meal as well as a comfy bed, the Big Timber Bakery, serving up a great Reuben sandwich, and Valley Guest House B&B, famous for its views of the scenic mountains. Plus, upon arriving in town, visitors can stop by the Sweet Grass County Visitor Center for an updated list of all the events taking place in town.

Kalispell

The town of Kalispell, located in Flathead County, is a great place to spend a 3-day weekend, either with friends or family. Home to three state parks – Flathead Lake, Wild Horse Island, and Lone Pine – there is so much to do in this small town that it might take many weekends to be able to see it all. The Conrad Mansion, built in 1895, and the Northwest Montana History Museum provide a keen sense of history, while several fun parks, like Woodland Water Park, are available to entertain kids of all ages. For that home away from home feeling, the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch offers guided horseback riding, free wifi, and free breakfast the next morning.

Ekalaka

Looking to get away from everything and still have fun? The quaint town of Ekalaka, located on the southeastern corner of Montana, might be the ideal choice for you. With four hundred permanent residents, this pastoral town is home to farms and ranches. Yet there are many outdoor attractions in Ekalaka that make it worth the visit. Known for offering up millions of years of Montana history, Carter County Museum is home to everything from dinosaur fossils to ancient military artifacts.

Medicine Rocks State Park, visited by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1884, showcases Medicine Rocks, which are sandstone pillars perforated with many holes. Some dining and lodging choices include eating at the Wagon Wheel Cafe and staying at the Guest House Hotel, both of which are only steps away from the museum.

West Yellowstone

On the western side of Yellowstone National Park, the town of West Yellowstone, hence the name, is known for several outdoor amenities that are excellent for getting all the family to commune with nature. Hebgen Lake, Yellowstone River, and Earthquake Lake are close enough to town for water adventures, like kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Plus, the Diamond P. Ranch is right outside of town, offering guided horseback riding tours through the magnificence of the Gallatin National Forest.

There are also several activities available in town, the Museum of the Yellowstone and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. You can also sleep comfortably at West Yellowstone Bed & Breakfast, located only five minutes from the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Hungry Horse

The quaint town of Hungry Horse, situated along the Flathead River, is best known for Hungry Horse Reservoir, Hornet Lookout, and the Huckleberry Patch, a great place to taste a delicious slice of Huckleberry Pie. Downtown Hungry Horse is also only fifteen minutes away from the western entrance of Glacier National Park and quite close to Lion Lake and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Reserve, which is more than a million acres of untamed wilderness named after Bob Marshall, who was one of the founders of the Wilderness Society. If you’re looking for an elk and buffalo burger, the Great Bear Cafe is famous for theirs. Glacier B&B offers a comfy bed and a delicious breakfast the next morning.

Anaconda

Possibly one of the best places to choose for that 3-day weekend getaway with the family, the town of Anaconda has many outdoor attractions that urge visitors to return year after year. Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park showcases the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. Lost Creek State Park offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing, along with stunning views at Lost Creek Falls. There are also several excellent dining choices in Anaconda.

Donivan’s is great for their crab legs and parmesan fries, O’Bella serves up fresh, made-from-scratch Italian cuisine, and Peppermint Patty’s makes a mean pork chop sandwich. Plus, the Hickory House Inn offers free parking, free wifi, and a free breakfast each morning.

Helena

The picturesque town of Helena, perhaps known best for being the capital city of Montana and home to the cathedral of Saint Helena, is also home to around thirty thousand people. This does not inhibit this magnificent town from being peaceful and quaint. Neither does it prohibit it from having a plethora of activities and attributes available to engage the attention of those who visit. Mount Helena City Park, over six hundred acres of trails and paths, awaits to challenge even the most intrepid of hiking enthusiasts. The Holter Museum of Art and the Montana Historical Society Museum are available to arouse even the strongest cynic, and the Tizer Botanic Gardens, ten miles south of Helena in Jefferson City, is ready to astound even the most passionate gardeners.

Whitefish

Twenty miles to the east of Hungry Horse and twenty miles north of Kalispell, the town of Whitefish is best known for being home to Whitefish Lake, a five square mile natural body of water, and Whitefish Lake State Park, providing an opportunity for outdoor water sports, including line fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Along with the recreational wonders of the lake and park, Whitefish is also home to Whitefish Depot, an example of Tudor Revival architecture showcasing the town’s history. There are also some great restaurants and lodging choices in town, including Loula’s Cafe for a tasty breakfast, the Craggy Range for a great burger and fries, and the Garden Wall Inn, in case you wish to sleep indoors.

Discover Montana’s Best Weekend Getaways

In conclusion, there are so many natural, historical, and cultural attributes in this majestic western state that it might be difficult to pick just one. The good thing is that you don’t have to. Whether you are in the southeast, up north, out west, or even somewhere in the center, there is something for every member of the family in Montana. Whether it is camping in Glacier National Park, learning the history of Medicine Rocks, or trying a tasty burger at the Great Bear Cafe, enjoy a great 3-day weekend this year.