Tax appeal board members sought

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is on the hunt for a third member for the jurisdiction’s tax appeal board.

By law, the board must have a minimum of three members and officials in Lincoln County have traditionally tried to bring aboard a representative from each of its municipalities. At the moment, the board consists of a resident from Eureka and one from Troy. Libby’s former delegate, Ernie Anderson, has departed the panel.

Given the lack of interest in the board, officials are accepting applications from interested parties across the county. County Clerk and Recorder Robin Benson said she had advertised for the spot on multiple occasions without much success.

County level boards hear taxpayer appeals of the state Department of Revenue’s assessments. Training is required, but the group meets infrequently, Benson said. A term on the board runs three years. For training, meetings called by the Montana Tax Appeal Board and appeal hearings, members receive between $45 and $90 per day.

Mileage is covered for round trips exceeding 30 miles. A meal allowance is provided.

Those interested can obtain an application from the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder's Office at the county courthouse complex, 512 California Ave., Libby, or via the county website: www.lincolncountymt.us. Completed applications should be submitted to Benson at her office or via email at: lcclerk@libby.com.

County Commissioner Brent Teske (D-1) said he would contact residents that had expressed interest in serving on area boards and encourage them to apply.

“It’s tough to fill boards. We’ve struggled to fill a few boards on the municipal level,” said Teske, who until recently served as mayor of Libby. “I’ll start putting the word out as best we can.”