Montana Association of Counties

12/16/2025

The new year is almost here...

Reviewing certain county duties and requirements is good practice, and the first Commission meeting in January is an ideal time to establish policies and guidelines for the year. Thus, we present MACo’s annual “New Year’s Resolutions & Reminders.”

11/13/2025

The Montana Association of Counties is joining forces with the Local Government Center to present our annual Elected County Officials training, December 10-12. The program varies from year-to-year, but the purpose remains the same: Be both educational and engaging while providing practical insights and tools for your work in county government.

Just us here:

The Montana Association of Counties is joining forces with the Local Government Center to present our annual Elected County Officials training December 10th through December 12th. The program varies from year-to-year, but the purpose remains the same: Be both educational and engaging while providing...

02/07/2025

Flathead County Commissioners' letter to Montana's State Legislature regarding property tax efforts, urges thoughtfulness while also considering state-level performance: "We encourage you to engage in active dialogue with local and state officials to strike a balance between fair taxation and adequate funding for essential services. If all else fails, fix the state government - not the local."

11/08/2024

Good news for Montanans: Our great state ranks #5 in the US for tax competitiveness, just behind fellow westerners WY, SD & AK (and one easterner, FL). We’re also #18 for property taxes—outdoing 32 others including the aforementioned states (except SD). More details are linked below. Montana Legislature

While there are many ways to show how much state governments collect in taxes, the Index evaluates how well states structure their tax systems and provides a road map for improvement

03/28/2024

Setting the record straight on SB 442…

The litigation surrounding SB 442 sought to protect the Legislature’s authority under the Montana Constitution, a right that was violated by the Executive Branch, which in turn required the Judicial Branch to intervene and mandate the Executive Branch into compliance. Any twisting or spinning of t...

03/07/2024

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, MACo President, Fergus County Commissioner, Ross Butcher, went before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, in Washington, DC, to participate in an oversight hearing and express concerns about BLM rule. Click the following link to watch the full hearing: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=415619&fbclid=IwAR3oW8C_kCRriscZmNiJTp_mPVj4Jl1Ej2uLHBwcbgs0yYEaW_H750Xxo9c

02/28/2024

Our Directory of County Elected Officials is hot off the presses! If you’re at our Midwinter Conference, buy one at our registration desk. You’ll have all the email addresses and phone numbers you’ll ever need! (The book can also be purchased on our website, www.mtcounties.org/payments.)

01/17/2024

Court requires Governor & SOS to move forward with SB 442 override vote…

Court requires Governor & Secretary of State to move forward with SB 442 override vote.

12/21/2023

We’ve said it before, and now the Superintendent of Helena’s Public Schools is saying it…

https://helenair.com/news/local/montana-public-schools-caught-in-property-tax-food-fight/article_bbda3f2e-9deb-11ee-a33b-efd40bc3d469.html?fbclid=IwAR0PvfOEkYn8XfsMkljgerNvDufYtc44zqpEQZ9h9213X3ZmtHMc1EKyB5c_aem_AajYUlhesG76T95rRPghcqsaknTngDBqrelTsp2-kcRhX8kePbKD8ab9n9tU3gDcA50

Helena Public Schools Superintendent Rex Weltz discusses the property tax dispute now underway in Montana.

10/27/2023

In an effort to protect Montana property taxpayers while also ensuring schools across the state receive adequate funding, the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) is taking legal action at the state level regarding whether counties are required to levy 95 mills for the State of Montana. Click below to read more.

HELENA, MT – In an effort to protect Montana property taxpayers while also ensuring schools across the state receive adequate funding, the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) is taking legal action at the state level regarding whether counties are required to levy 95 mills for the State of Mont...

10/05/2023

MACo's Board sent a letter today to Governor Gianforte highlighting several matters of concern in response to his perspective on recently-passed legislation that he provided via a missive to all Montana county commissioners in September.

The Montana Association of Counties (MACo) Board of Directors sent a letter today to Governor Gianforte highlighting several matters of concern in response to his perspective on recently-passed legislation that he provided via a missive to all Montana county commissioners in September.