No, we aren't selling, but some have been forced to sell and find somewhere less expensive. I recall a sad story of two retired school teachers in Whitefish, who were struggling to pay taxes on the home they had raised the family in and maintained for years. The nearby Whitefish mega-mansions and super inflated real estate prices had driven the appraisal on their place over the moon. Then their property tax assessment reflected the huge jump.
Montana desperately needs a tax system overhaul. As someone who mostly opposed a sales tax, I now see how it could more equitably sort out the sources of income to the counties and state. Plus if structured properly to not tax food, medicine, and such essentials, then one could make decisions on purchases to sort out what taxes you are willing to pay.
Now if the city, county, and/or state needs more money for whatever ... they just raise taxes. You have no say! Unfortunately, presently there are few in our legislature with the smarts or backbone to sit down and make the necessary changes.
As you can tell, I am completely frustrated with this state of a taxation abomination. I just sent in first half property tax payment, with the appropriate protest form, only to learn on the news that this county will have to send out another tax bill for more taxes, due to the recent Montana Supreme Court ruling favoring the higher mill levy ordered by the state.
It's just across the freeway from me.
