Jeffco gets federal funds; Cuts planned in Trump budget

Montana counties will receive $31.8 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for 2017, federal officials announced last week. PILT funds are distributed to counties with federal land to offset the fact that those lands pay no local property taxes. 

The presence of those federal lands creates demands for local government services, such as law enforcement and infrastructure. Jefferson County received about $1.178 million last year in PILT funds and will receive about $1.216 million for the coming year. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would cut PILT funds by about 15 percent. 

Montana’s two senators both acknowledged the importance of PILT funds to Montana counties. “PILT payments help Montana counties provide critical services and keep a balanced budget,” Montana’s Democratic U.S. Senator JonTester said.