Yellowstone County approves 80% tax abatement for Fortify Building Solutions' equipment

The Yellowstone County Commission voted to approve Resolution 24-70, granting an 80% property tax abatement to Fortify Building Solutions for Class 8 equipment.

At a 9:30 a.m. public hearing, Diane (county staff) introduced the request under recently enacted state legislation that allows counties discretion to set abatements at 80%, 90% or 100% for qualifying Class 8 property and equipment. Anne Miller, who provided the company overview, said Fortify has acquired "about $3,200,000 worth of equipment," is expanding into Montana and is in the process of hiring employees in the Yellowstone County area.

Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to approve Resolution 24-70 at an 80% abatement level; the motion was seconded and the board recorded three vocal 'aye' responses, approving the measure.

The program cited by staff is distinct from the county's longstanding five-year and ten-year abatement programs; under the statute referenced in the presentation, the new Class 8 equipment option is eligible for the percentage discretion the board exercised at this meeting. Diane said counties will begin to see these new Class 8 abatements appear in annual reports next year.

No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing. The commission's action was a formal approval of the abatement; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes.