Montana News Roundup: How to Secure Property Tax Rebates

If you're hoping to get a property tax rebate from the State of Montana for your 2024 taxes, the state is reminding everyone they need to apply for the program, and do so by the 1st of October. That's important because applications won't be accepted after that date.

Applications for the rebates, which were approved by the Legislature last spring, opened on Friday. However, there are certain qualifications, and you should make sure you have all the relevant information. That info includes your property address, geocode, and property taxes paid last year as shown on your tax bill, as well as the names and social security numbers of the taxpayer and their spouse.

The rebates are based on a scale reflecting taxes paid. If you paid $250 last year on your principle residence, the rebate is also $250. If you paid $1200, your maximum rebate is $400. You also had to live in an eligible residence for at least 7 months last year, and those include single-family homes, apartments and condos, trailers, manufactured homes, and mobile homes with up to 1-acre of land.

     🏠 Properties owned by an entity, except for some trusts, aren't eligible.

The Department of Revenue says if you qualify, that rebate should be issued in 30 days if you apply online; paper applications will take longer.

Firefighters make some progress against Montana fires

Three dozen active fires continue to burn across Montana today, even as firefighters are starting to get containment on some of the larger fires.

The Horn fire, which forced evacuations in the southern Madison Valley last week, is now 75% contained. But crews are still working other fires in that area, including the Bivens Creek and Cloudiest fires, which have burned more than 3000 acres in the Tobacco Roots. The nearby McAllister Fire on Norris Hill is 30% contained. A second fire, burning near the original "Dry Head" fire, started just over the line in Big Horn County and has burned 50 acres.

     Montana FWP has closed the Kookoosint Fishing Access Site and the Full Curl Wildlife Management Area because of the 275-acre Knowles Fire, one of four burning along the Lower Flathead River in Sanders County.

Cascade County detention officer facing criminal charges

A Cascade County detention officer is facing multiple charges for assaulting his family and being involved in a weekend standoff with deputies in Great Falls.

Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter says Lloyde Paul Ogden is a corporal that's worked for the county since being hired in 2021. But he explained problems began in June when Ogden threatened family members and suicide, sparking an internal investigation. Slaughter says Ogden returned from rehab in Florida in early August, but over the weekend was again threatening his family while armed.

"The Cascade County Sheriff's Office supported him and our staff while the initial investigation was ongoing," Slaughter told reporters Monday. "However, this violent and dangerous behavior has gone too far, and we will be seeking justice in this investigation for both the victims and our community."

     Slaughter says the internal investigation will continue, with Ogden held in isolation out of the county.

Butte water back, but with some warnings

Butte officials say if residents with health challenges should be checking with their provider for advice on consuming tap water, as the city continues to emerge from the days-long contamination of a portion of its water system.

Montana DEQ lifted the "do not consume" order yesterday, but advised those with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly to use caution.

     💧 Extensive testing has shown no evidence of contamination getting into the system from a backflow off an overpressurized hydrant last week, but officials are using caution.

Montana measles update

Montana has seen a total of 31 measles cases this summer, and while there've been limited new cases since the first of August, there are still some concerns with schools starting.

University of Montana Professor Tony Ward says that's why U.M. is sponsoring a webinar this evening, with a panel of experts discussing the current outlook.

That includes questions about the flu, COVID, and other vaccine issues as well. We have signup info on our website.

Gallatin County has had the most cases of measles, 19 in all, with 2 hospitalizations. The most recent was just last week from a traveler passing through the Bozeman airport. However, Cascade and Yellowstone counties have seen no new cases since mid-July, with limited cases in Flathead, Lewis & Clark, and Hill counties, and nothing recent.