Sign up for the free Helena This Week newsletter and stay in the loop on Helena city government, public school meetings, business news and upcoming entertainment and events.
9/01/2025
City seeks answers from DOR after taxable value changes
Helena officials are asking the Montana Department of Revenue for an explanation after the city’s taxable value significantly decreased.
City Finance Director Sheila Danielson told the city commission during a meeting last week that she had submitted a public information request to the DOR.
In August, the DOR released updated certified taxable values, and Helena’s decreased by 7.71%, reducing the city’s revenue from local property taxes.
Danielson said it was “a bit of a surprise,” considering the city’s recent development and growth.
Danielson contacted the DOR before the commission’s meeting and asked if a new apartment complex worth over $7 million was included when property in the city was assessed.
DOR responded with a revised, slightly increased taxable value, Danielson said, adding that the amount still seemed low compared to previous years.
“I fully support questioning DOR on this issue,” City Commissioner Emily Dean said during the Wednesday meeting. “I think that we should continue to demand answers, because this is going to have real-life impacts on all other property owners in Helena that will be subsidizing those who are living in new development.”
City officials said they have also begun conversations with the Montana League of Cities and Towns to address the issue with the DOR.
In addition to the decrease in taxable values, Danielson provided information showing that city property taxes in 2026 will be less than in 2025.
Owners with homes valued at $100,000 would see their taxes decrease from about $206 to about $133. Owners with properties valued at $300,000 will pay about $399, about $220 less than last year. Owners with $600,000 properties will pay about $920 in taxes, down nearly $314.
Decreases in property tax revenue could strain the local budget and impact the sustainability of city services, officials have said.
Commissioner Dean spoke on the issue during a Hometown Helena meeting last Thursday and said that the city will continue to be “the squeaky wheel” to ensure that Helena’s growth doesn’t negatively impact current residents.
“We need to be sure that’s getting corrected and that we can have the revenue to provide the services for all this new growth Helena is experiencing,” Dean said.
While the city should receive a response from DOR within the next 90 days, Dean added that the commission will need to adopt the new tax values by the Sept. 3 deadline to comply with state law.
Public Notice
Labor Day closures: City administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. Impacted city services will include Capitol Transit, the transfer station and garbage pickup. Residents can expect their trash to be picked up the following day. Contact the city transfer station at 447-8086 for more information.
Rose Hills community discussion: The Helena Area Habitat for Humanity will hold a community listening session at East Helena’s Missouri River Brewing Company, 451 Spencer Ct., Thursday, Sept. 11, to discuss the upcoming new subdivision, Rose Hills. Habitat for Humanity staff will present updates and answer questions on the housing project. The event begins at 4:30 p.m.
5 Things to Know in Helena
City staff informed the commission in August that the Montana Department of Quality is responsible for addressing water issues at a local mobile home park. Residents of the Golden Estates mobile home park, 2995 Prospect Ave., reported experiencing water shut off and boil notices after a new property management company took over earlier this year. However, both the DEQ and Lewis and Clark Public Health have roles in resolving water service problems, according to DEQ staff. DEQ Public Information Officer Madison McGeffers told MTFP that the agency has notified the city that it is responding to concerns with the property’s water quality but that the county public health department will need to address Gold Estates’ water quantity issues. McGeffers added that DEQ issued a health advisory on Aug. 26 that will remain in place until water quality issues are addressed.
Officials with a Helena area development company agreed to negotiate with the Montana Public Service Commission after commissioners moved to fine the subdivision nearly $87,000 for failing to provide adequate water services for customers. North Star Development LLC took an alternative option to engage in negotiations, rather than pay fines, according to a PSC filing. Negotiations will occur over the next 60 days. The initial hearing to confirm North Star’s fines on Sept. 16 has been postponed pending those discussions.
City Transportation Services Director David Knoepke presented an updated roundabout design for downtown’s five-point intersection, or mini malfunction junction, during a commission meeting last week. Knoepke said that staff are about 65% through their review and plan to seek bids for the project at the end of this year. The design shows pedestrian crossing and safety features that produce refuge areas for people crossing the roads.
The presentation also included three alternative designs for the intersection. The alternative models were created in response to commissioners’ requests for staff to research what other solutions would look like during a meeting earlier this summer.
Commissioner Sean Logan asked what the cost estimate would be to add pedestrian safety improvements to the current stop sign-controlled intersection versus the proposed $2 to $3 million roundabout. Knoepke estimated that those costs would range between $1 and $2 million. While no official action was taken, the commission will continue to discuss roundabout details and alternative options.
City transportation systems staff will present potential parking fee and permit changes for commission discussion at a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3. Transportation Systems Director Knoepke and the city’s parking advisory committee have compiled a list of recommended changes, including increasing hourly parking from $1 to $1.25 and increasing downtown garage parking permit fees from $85 to $100 per month. Other fee changes differ between the city staff and the parking committee’s recommendations, which can be found in the meeting agenda packet. Staff are requesting feedback from the commission, but no action will be taken.
The commission Wednesday will also consider approving city funds to purchase an electric vehicle. In May, the commission agreed to allocate $60,000 from the city’s general fund reserves for the purchase. According to city documents, staff will recommend that the commission purchase a 2025 Ford Lightning Pro, which will be utilized by all city departments.
Following Up
Christopher Martinez Marvan, a Helena man who was detained in July by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has voluntarily left the country, according to his legal counsel.
Andres Haladay, Martinez Marvan’s attorney with Upper Seven Law, told MTFP that Martinez Marvan accepted voluntary removal to Mexico at the end of July after being transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.
Might Be Fun
Seattle-based Americana jam band, The Whags, will perform in Helena to promote their new album “All Along the Water There’s a Mountain Song,” Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Lewis and Clark Tap Room, 1535 Dodge Ave. The concert is free and begins at 7 p.m. Visit the Lewis and Clark Tap Room’s website for additional details.
