Residents urged commissioners to find alternatives as hearing on mill levy drew emotional testimony

Residents filled the public-comment period at Montgomery County's revenue-neutral hearing to press commissioners for alternatives to raising property taxes.

Speakers described sharply higher property-tax bills and urged the county to pursue nonresident revenue sources, such as guest or travel-related taxes, and greater transparency on abatements and spending. "We've gotta find a different way for the county to make money," said Russell Portwood, who told the board his mortgage-like tax bill had risen dramatically. Multiple speakers described fixed incomes, generational farms and decisions families are considering about leaving the county because of taxes.

Commenters also raised questions about county administration and contracting. Amy McCarthy alleged the county administrator or appraiser was drawing full-time pay while serving another county; staff and commissioners responded that the county uses a per-parcel compensation model for its appraiser and that partial agreements with neighboring counties are permitted under current practice but left some details "not specified" in the hearing record.

Commissioners acknowledged the public's concerns and reiterated that they had already reduced services and used reserve funds. They also said statutory limits and the loss of certain state-shared revenue streams had constrained options. Ultimately, the board voted to approve a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and adopt the budget.

The hearing included specific requests and offers of volunteer help to review the budget; commissioners said staff would continue to pursue state-level assistance and look at options for spreading revenue burdens while complying with state law.