The six mill levy

On Nov. 4 voters will make a FOR or AGAINST choice to reauthorize a six mill levy for the Montana University System (MUS). Its 2008 budget is $ 1,181,000,000. Montana’s total for the six mills is $ 11,840,000. That’s 1 percent of the MUS budget, 1 percent! Is raising a $1.2 billion enterprises’ revenue by 1 percent urgent? And, this figure does not include Grants, Endowments, Fund raising and other MUS net receipts. The U of M just raised $172,000,000 from alumni and private donors. A prodigious feat for one of the 14 (soon to be 15) MUS units.

It is appropriate to scrutinize any levy that adds to our property taxes. The 2007 Sanders County value of six mills was $180,144. Once authorized, the legislature can increase this levy. The MUS has advanced this alternative earlier. It is fair to question the significance of 1 percent of a $1.2 billion budget. Managing to contain costs by 1 percent is not an unreasonable expectation of publicly funded institutions, regardless of budget size. The reauthorization is for 10 years.

The uncertainties we face are many; stress at the gas pumps, grocery stores and heating costs. The unknown effects of bailing out the economy on inflation, retirement funds, and the tax policies of a new administration. Our local economy is in decline. Some accept this, others don’t. Reducing any taxes will help some. As small as a six mill levy is, it will accumulate to about $1.9 million in 10 years for Sanders County. We can continue to add 1 percent to MUS’ 2009 $1.2 billion… and growing budgets or relieve our property tax burdens. By Nov. 5, our choice will be known.

Here is a reality check, this letter is a waste of time. The six mill levy will pass because that’s what Montana taxpayers have done since 1920.

This six mill levy has been a continuing, voluntary, symbolic support statement for the MUS. Does it matter that it amounts to only 1 percent of their budget?

Sotero Muniz

Polson