Commission approves 80% tax abatement to CHS for Class 8 property

Yellowstone County commissioners opened a public hearing on Resolution 24-14 and approved an 80% tax abatement for CHS's Class 8 manufacturing property.

County staff explained the new state-authorized abatement program that allows abatements of 80%, 90% or 100% for an initial five-year period with incremental increases in the remaining five years of the abatement period. Julie Peterson, identified in the hearing as representing CHS Laurel Refinery, testified in support, telling commissioners the abatement "is going to give us opportunity to keep the manufacturing in Montana and to help us improve and grow our manufacturing here in Yellowstone County."

No members of the public spoke against the abatement during the hearing. A commissioner moved to pass Resolution 24-14 at the 80% level; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The county's action adopts the local resolution recommending the abatement; implementation and tax-exemption details will follow state and county administrative processes.