Missoula County commissioners are introducing a resolution to place a 2% countywide gas tax on the June 2 primary election ballot on Thursday’s public meeting.
It is estimated that a 2-percent per gallon gas tax would generate an estimated $1.1 million, which would be split equally between Missoula County and the city of Missoula to pay for construction, reconstruction, maintenance and repair of public roads.
Of that $1.1 million generated, it is estimated that about $400,000 would be generated by non-residents visiting the county.
County commissioners are seeking public comments from community members at the first public hearing on the issue which will be held at 2 p.m. at the Missoula County Courthouse.
According to Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick, “This would add $10.56 to the bill a typical Missoulian would pay, but way more important than that, this is kind of like the principal that you should pay for what you use so the 1.5 million tourists that come here, they borrow our roads for four or five days a tear and then they leave, they don’t return them in the same shape they get them in.”
If adopted, commissioners will sign the resolution on Monday, March 9. The public can also submit comments by calling 406-258-4877 or emailing to bcc@missoulacounty.us.
