If enacted, SB 461 will significantly alter how irrigation districts interact with county governments concerning tax levies. The bill allows county treasurers to take on additional responsibilities, such as collecting taxes that the irrigation district fails to levy timely. This change could lead to more consistent funding streams for irrigation projects but may also place additional administrative burdens on county staff. It is expected to enhance the overall management of irrigation district finances but raises questions about the resource allocation within county offices tasked with tax collection.
Summary
Senate Bill 461, introduced by a group of legislators, aims to revise the collection process for irrigation district levies and taxes within Montana. The bill stipulates that in cases where an irrigation district's board of commissioners fails to levy taxes or assessments timely, the county commissioners are mandated to step in and make the necessary levy by a set deadline. This ensures continuity and reliability in tax collection for irrigation districts, critical in maintaining their financial obligations and operational integrity, especially in times of water scarcity.
Contention
The key points of contention surrounding SB 461 include concerns about the potential overreach of county commissioners into the operational frameworks of irrigation districts. Critics argue that this shift could undermine the decision-making autonomy of local irrigation boards, who are elected to represent the interests of their respective districts. Moreover, there are worries that financial management might become bureaucratic, with additional layers of oversight complicating the simple tax collection process and leading to inefficiencies.
Relating to the irrigation powers and functions of certain water districts; providing authority for a district by rule to change fees; clarifying a district's authority to impose certain assessments.
Permits high performing school districts to be monitored by DOE under New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJ QSAC) every seven years rather than every three years.
Establishes grant program for school districts to develop in-district and collaborative special education programs and services to reduce need to place classified students out-of-district.
Establishes grant program for school districts to develop in-district and collaborative special education programs and services to reduce need to place classified students out-of-district.