Things we are watching: CI-121

We encourage all Fire Districts and Fire Service organizations to research and understand how CI-121 may affect their operation.

Constitutional initiative 121 is a proposed tax initiative that would freeze property taxes on residents in Montana.

If approved, CI-121 would limit annual increases and decreases in residential property valuations to either 2% or the inflation rate (whichever is lower) when assessing property taxes if the property is not newly constructed, significantly improved, or had a change of ownership since January 1, 2019.

CI-121 establishes 2019 state valuations as the base year for residential property valuations and permits annual state reassessment. It requires the Legislature to limit total ad valorem property taxes on residential property to 1% or less of the assessed valuation.

We are watching Constitutional Initiative 121, as it may significantly impact fire service in Montana. If this continues to move forward, the MFTA and all fire districts in Montana will need to research and understand how this will affect our Fire districts and Fire Services areas.

CI - 121 could significantly impact the funding received to operate our districts. The MFTA will continue to track this and keep our membership organizations informed as it evolves.