Your Rural Solid Waste District Assessment Has Increased by 45% - Here's How to Fight It

In October 2024, the Cascade County Commissioners imposed a 45% increase to your Rural Solid Waste District Assessment. If you received your 2024 Property Tax bill with this increase and were not informed beforehand, you may have legal grounds to protest and appeal.

Was the Increase Lawful?

The procedure used to impose this increase did not follow Montana law, specifically Section 7-11-1025, MCA. This law requires the county to notify property owners and hold a public hearing to allow participation in the decision-making process. As this step was skipped, your right to know and participate was violated, giving you grounds to protest.

What’s the Impact?

For homeowners, this means an additional $54 per year on your property tax bill. Other property types, like schools and businesses, saw larger increases. If you disagree with this increase and the way it was handled, you have the right to protest.

How to Protest

Fill out the Tax Protest Form available at the Cascade County Treasurer’s Office or online.

On the form, enter the total amount you paid toward your tax bill and half of the increase (e.g., $27 for residential).

In the Reason for Protest section, write: “The increase was not done lawfully.”

Under “Section 7-11-1027, MCA”, check “YES.”

Submit the form along with your tax receipt to Paige at the Treasurer’s Office.

How to Appeal

Write a letter to the Cascade County Commissioners stating you are appealing the increase because the law was not followed. Be sure to include your parcel number. This appeal pertains only to the Solid Waste Assessment, not property taxes.

Why It Matters

By protesting and appealing, you can force the Commissioners to resolve the issue. The more taxpayers who act, the more likely it is that the increase will be addressed.

For More Information

Contact the Cascade County Treasurer’s Office or visit their website for further details.