Zoning, taxes and property values focus of meeting
by JENNY HARRIS - Ravalli Republic
This Wednesday, a public presentation detailing the relationship between zoning, property values and property taxes will be held at Hamilton City Hall.
The meeting will be conducted by Montana Department of Revenue Ravalli County Manager Deb Reesman, who will join the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6 beginning at 7 p.m.
Ravalli County Planner and Zoning Coordinator Shaun Morrell said he’s hopeful the meeting will help clear up information regarding property value and taxes within the countywide zoning project.
“Most of the questions we get asked the most center around property value and taxes,” Morrell said. “We’re constantly trying to inform people about the realistic effects about zoning and trying to bring factual information into the public realm. While most people have property concerns that are valid, there is also a host of misinformation out there. We’re hopeful the meeting will help answer some of the big public questions.”
The Ravalli County Planning Department gathered a list of questions they most often receive from the public, that will be on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
Some of questions to be tackled are: how will zoning generally affect property and taxes, are there examples of zoning affecting property value in other places, does refinancing non-conforming structures and uses reduce appraisal values, how will zoning affect properties taxed agricultural that aren’t zoned agricultural.
Some of the more in-depth questions will address zoning certain properties for specific uses and the property taxes attached to such, whether or not zoning is to blame for inflated housing prices in larger areas.
Currently, the Montana DOR is conducting a statewide reassessment of property values for 2009. Reesman said she hopes to discuss the affect this may have on property values and taxes within the zoning effort.
“I know there is a lot of concern out there, especially within the difference with property taxes and market value,” Reesman said. “I hope to be able to explain if and when zoning goes into effect, how that may affect property taxes for the 2009 reappraisal. People think it’s going to have a dramatic affect on their property and that’s not the case.”
The meeting will take place on Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. in Hamilton City Hall.
For more information on the meeting or zoning questions, contact the Ravalli County Planning Department at www.ravallicounty.mt.gov or call 375-6530.
Reporter Jenny Harris can be reached at 363-3300 or at jharris@ravallirepublic.com
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