Big Sky Economic Development Board Considers Broad Range of Issues

Two of the political issues of primary concern for the Big Sky Economic Development Authority include the local option tax and the "wrongful discharge" issue. BSEDA Director Joe McClure reported to board members at their regular monthly meeting about the status of these issues, as well as many other BSEDA issues and projects.

Montana’s seven largest cities have been especially interested in the passage of legislation that will allow for local option taxes, but have not been successful through a string of legislative sessions. Part of the problem has been the opposition from smaller, outlying communities in the state who believe that the tax would collect revenues from their residents, as they shop and do business in the larger communities, with no return coming back to the smaller communities.

McClure said that in a discussion with the leaders from other cities they have come to understand that they must change their strategy.

Chairman of the BSEDA Board, Bill Locus, said, "Some people are not looking at it as a tax issue, because it’s really a rights issue for local government. It’s not necessarily about a tax."

"It needs to be a local option issue," said board member Tom Llewellyn, "As a self governing body we ought to make our own determinations."

Lucas said, "It will only work if all the cities agree."

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