Lee’s Chuck Johnson reports this morning that a federal judge has thrown out a challenge by Missoula accountant Patty Lovaas of the state’s controversial property reappraisal process, which has been causing an uproar in Lake and Flathead Counties.
From his story:
Lovaas asked U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy of Missoula to prohibit them from enforcing Montana’s property tax system because they violated federal and state constitutions by manipulating property tax values and abusing their authority to assess property taxes.
She also contended that the state process for challenging property values is biased and insufficient.
In a decision Friday, Molloy ruled in the state’s favor.
“The complaint must be dismissed because the (U.S.) Tax Injunction Act deprives this court of jurisdiction, and Montana law provides a plain, speedy and efficient remedy,” Molloy said.
As Chuck Johnson observes in his story, this reappraisal challenge is unlikely to be the last. In related news, Sen. Verdell Jackson, along with Rep. Jana Taylor will be holding a public meeting to discuss property taxes Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Polson courthouse.