Meeting addresses property reappraisal

Bombarded by complaints from constituents, state Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, is holding a town-hall meeting Thursday to discuss the impacts of this year’s property reappraisals.

“I don’t have the answers but I want to hear from people,” Reichner said, noting that a Department of Revenue official and other members of the Flathead legislative delegation will attend the meeting at the Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Every six years, the Department of Revenue reappraises properties for taxation purposes. The most recent reappraisal that took effect this year significantly raised taxable property values in Flathead County and other parts of the state that have had prosperous real estate markets over the last decade.

But that boom ended with the recession.

“The economy is down but taxes are going up and property values are going down,” Reichner said. “I’ve gotten dozens of phone calls, e-mails or letters. There’s been some tremendous dissatisfaction with the property reappraisal process.”

Reichner said he has spoken with other legislators from the Flathead and as far away as Missoula who have been getting similar feedback from their constituents.

Montana lawmakers did pass some measures to curb the tax impacts resulting from reappraisals, but Reichner said more needs to be done.

The town hall meeting may bring out ideas that can be put to work in the 2011 legislative session “or sooner,” said Reichner, suggesting that a special session may be in order to address the issue.

Reichner said he wanted to start with a meeting in his district, but if there is a good turnout, he will follow up with another town-hall meeting in Kalispell.

“If you want to have your voice heard, this is the forum,” said Reichner, adding that he wants people to come with solutions rather than just complaints.