Missoula County updates commissioners on multiple tax, housing and zoning bills; staff seeks direction on inclusionary zoning

County staff provided a legislative update covering several bills affecting property taxes, housing policy and zoning notice processes and asked the board for direction on inclusionary zoning.

Staff said two competing property-tax proposals are moving on the House floor. House Bill 231 (sponsored by Lou Jones, as described by staff) proposes changes to homestead exemptions and has been amended to create a graduated structure. A separate bill from Representative Behn would exempt the first $50,000 of property value and apply a graduated rate above that threshold. Staff said the county is supporting both bills while the legislature determines which vehicle will move forward and that both are intended to provide residential property tax relief.

Staff also raised House Bill 378, identified as an inclusionary zoning bill that would restore local authority for inclusionary zoning in counties and cities (authority removed in the 2023 legislative session). "House Bill 378 would undo the legislative action that happened in 2023 and allow inclusionary zoning in both counties and cities again," staff said, and asked whether the board wanted the county to draft a message of support. Commissioners directed staff to draft a message of support for inclusionary zoning based on input from county housing staff.

Finally, staff reported support for Senate Bill 175, described as a bill to streamline and clarify public-notice requirements for zoning amendments by specifying required content and timelines for posting. Staff said county planners support SB175 because it clarifies notice content and deadlines for zoning amendment postings.

Staff said they will send the county’s messages on these bills to the delegation and update the board at the next administrative meeting.