The Lake County Commissioners approved the county’s $52 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year on Wednesday, Sept. 2. 

This budget includes about $46.1 million in total revenue, with $19.6 million of that coming from property taxes. That is a $1.8 million increase in property taxes from last year. 

While the county is receiving higher property tax revenue, that doesn’t mean taxes went up. According to Finance Officer Tara Barry, the increase comes from state law that allows counties to raise property tax revenue based on an inflation-tied amount, along with new taxable property and the $1 million jail lawsuit levy. 

For the 2026 tax year, Montana implemented a four-tier graduated tax rate structure for qualifying primary residences and long-term rentals, along with a flat rate for short-term and second homes. 

Because this was not an assessment year, Barry said most property values did not change unless they were disputed. However, the new property classification and fourth tax-rate tier could lower or increase taxpayers' rates. 

Barry said during the budget hearing that ultimately this means taxes did not increase, but they are more spread out, with a $100,000 home only saving 59 cents. Barry added that some taxpayers may not see a decrease in their bills, depending on which taxing districts that property falls under. 

Residents who live outside incorporated city limits will be assessed at 126.26 county mills, but within an incorporated city, such as Ronan or Polson, those county mills are assessed at 109.06. These numbers do not include additional school district, special districts, incorporated city mills or other jurisdictions, which taxpayers may see on their bill depending on where they live. 

The budget comes in at a $15 million decrease from last year due to projects increasing last year’s numbers, such as the landfill expansion, Polson Airport runway revamp and rebuilding Dublin Gulch, Moiese Valley and North Reservoir roads. 

The Polson Airport project is currently wrapping up, with $2.8 million coming out of the 2027 fiscal year budget. A $500,000 project will also take place at St. Ignatius Airport during this upcoming fiscal year, which is grant-funded. 

Other shifts in the budget include the aggregate funds, which received $450,000 compared to $371,000 last year, due to inflation and new taxable value changes. Barry also said the highest cost within this year’s budget includes the 4% raise increase for county employees and elected officials, coming in at $19.2 million. 

The budget also includes $2.7 million for the jail remodel, including a $1 million project to remodel the county courtrooms.