Firefly,

I can help you with only one of your questions, the one regarding the taxation without annexation. Here is a very simplified version of our property tax system in Montana.

Each property is taxed based on the assessed value set by the state. The taxes generated are then distributed to a number of government entities. Part of the taxes go to the state to support the University system, part to the state k-12 school equalization fund, part to the local k-12 school district, part to the local high school district and a part goes to the county government.

Additionally, if a property is annexed into a city, the city can apply its tax levy. If the property is not in a city then the county applys "rural mills" in place of the city assessments. The city mills are significantly higher than the county's rural mills so there is a substantial tax savings for the plant if it is not annexed.

The direct answer to your question is that the City of Great Falls will receive no tax revenue from the coal plant unless it is annexed at some point in the future.

Those entities which will receive tax revenue are the State of Montana, Cascade County, the Belt High School District and the Great Falls Elementary School District.
Joe Briggs | 03.02.07 - 12:15 pm | #

Well thank you, Joe. Nice to see someone in local govt. answering questions.
firefly | 03.02.07 - 12:37 pm | #

But the answers still do not provide a compelling reason for the plant to exist, let alone justifying the city trying to get into the power business.
Free Thought | Homepage | 03.02.07 - 2:20 pm | #

Firefly,

My pleasure. I actually enjoy answering questions about county government, it is a crucial part of my job.

The balance of your questions however lie outside of the information I have. Any comment on them would only be a guess on my part. Hopefully, one of the City Commissioners will supply you with the answers to your questions.
Joe Briggs | 03.02.07 - 5:03 pm | #

Firefly,

The plant organizers answered the questions presented in the Q&A with honesty and frankness.

The problem is you don't like the answers. So, instead of admitting they have some valid points you blame the reporter for not demanding different answers.
jocko | 03.03.07 - 3:32 pm | #

Nope, I don't like the answers. I didn't get the "honesty and frankness" that you evidently did.
No warm fuzzy feelings for me.

I did not "blame the reporter for not demanding different answers"
I challenge the reporter to ask better questions and be persistent about getting real answers.
firefly | 03.04.07 - 8:55 pm | #