The Lake County Electoral Bureau last week released an official notice of a special election in Polson regarding a proposed resort tax scheduled for February 2nd.
In October, the Polson City Commission unanimously voted to impose a resort tax on voters. If approved, the measure would introduce a 3% tax on selected luxury items and services for a period of 20 years from July 1st.
The lion’s share of tax revenue (80%) would be used for road improvements in the city, with 17% earmarked for property tax relief, 3% for administrative expenses, and another 3% returned to tax collectors.
City officials held information forums through Zoom. The last forum will take place on January 19th at 7pm. Visit the Polson City website for more information.
– Lake County Leader
Bigfork School District, Teachers Union Contract
After months of negotiations since the waiver of two general fund levies totaling $ 591,454 in May, Bigfork School District 38 and the Bigfork Area Educators Association have agreed on teachers’ salaries and benefits. Bigfork teaching staff will receive an 8% base salary increase for the 2020-21 school year and a 1.5% increase for each of the following two years. You’ll also receive $ 600 in health insurance premiums, up from $ 564 last year, a $ 1,855 scholarship for those with a Masters degree, a one-time 3% bonus, and an extra payroll step. Salary plans for teachers include “steps” that relate to years of instruction and “lanes” that relate to a teacher’s level of education. According to Superintendent Matt Jensen, teachers progress gradually for each year until they reach the top and earn about 3% more. They can also change lanes by getting more education.
The levy was originally paid to voters to bridge the gap between salaries for Bigfork teachers – especially at the higher end of the scale – and salaries for educators at other local institutions. For example, the previous maximum a teacher could earn at Bigfork Schools was $ 69,892, where other institutions offered between $ 76,840 and $ 88,000 for an equivalent position. The new maximum is $ 71,966, including the Masters scholarship.
– Bigfork Eagle
Officials are investigating break-ins north of Eureka on Christmas Day
According to Tobacco Valley News, police officers are investigating multiple break-ins on Christmas Day in the Bootleg Road area near the Canadian border.
Sgt. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s. Bo Pitman said his office is actively working with two known local suspects who were tracked by surveillance cameras in the area.
– Tobacco Valley News
Paradise protesters vow to continue the fight against the sewage system
Despite a recent setback, citizens speaking out against the Paradise sewer construction project say they have not and will not give up their fight against the $ 4.5 million plan to install a sewer system in their city.
A restraining order was filed last week in the 20th Montana District Court in Polson to request a temporary suspension of the project. The application sought to stop further work on the sewer project, which is expected to start in spring 2021, until a formal hearing can be held to determine the merits of the proposed sewer system and its impact on local residents.
The basis of the request was based on protesters’ allegations that the project was too costly and had progressed without following state constitutional guidelines.
However, the court denied the request and gave the protesters 30 days to appeal the decision.
– Clark Fork Valley Press