HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Communities like Big Sky and Red Lodge could see a temporary resort tax increase for public works projects if a bill moving through the Legislature becomes law.
Tim Pierce with the UM Legislative News Service reports that Senate Bill 241 passed its first vote in the Senate 33 to 16 on Monday. It would let resort communities vote to increase their resort tax by one percent, as long as all revenue goes into a specific infrastructure project.
Senator Duane Ankney supports the bill, saying tourists flocking to resort areas often leave damage for those who live their to fix.
“These communities are well populated in the summer. But, then, when everyone goes home, the potholes stay.”
Senator Brian Hoven from Great Falls opposes the bill, saying the responsibility to fix the broken infrastructure should be on the communities.
“To me, it’s their responsibility to handle the problem. I would say enough is enough.”
The bill faces one more vote before it moves to the House.
