MISSOULA — Missoula County commissioners are introducing a resolution to place a 2-cent countywide gas tax on the June 2nd primary election ballot at a Thursday public meeting.
It is estimated that a 2-cent per gallon gas tax would generate $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.
It is also estimated that of the $1.1 million generated by the tax, about $400,000 would come from non-residents visiting the area. County commissioners are seeking public comments at the first public hearing on the issue which will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27 beginning at 2 p.m. in the Missoula County Courthouse.
“This would add $10.50 to the bill of 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, Commissioner Josh Slotnick said. "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 9th. The public can submit comments by calling (406) 258-4877 or by email.
