Property taxes put governor and local government leaders at odds

The supplemental property tax bills heading to property owners around the state this spring, made necessary by a November Supreme Court decision, represent a monumental headache for both local tax officials and homeowners.

They also illustrate how the tax issue has driven a wedge between Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican seeking re-election this year, and local government leaders across Montana’s political spectrum.

Nearly all of the dollars collected by Montana’s property tax system flow, directly or indirectly, to local government programs like schools, law enforcement and park maintenance....