If they were looking for a mandate on the proposal to install a resort tax on Big Mountain, they got it: 89% of those who voted said “yes”. And so, beginning June 1st, the area, which roughly includes the Big Mountain Fire District and, of course, Whitefish Mountain Resort, will begin paying a 3% resort tax–just like Whitefish and Columbia Falls.
A portion of the revenue will go towards property tax relief, which could be meaningful for property owners on the mountain. The rest goes to paving roads and other infrastructure…and that includes fire protection, which has an effect on what people pay for homeowners insurance.
Administering precisely where the revenue goes will be in continuing discussions and for assistance, the resort district has hired retired Columbia Falls City Manager Susan Nicosea.
The resort tax sunsets in 2045, unless renewed by voters before then.
