The committee also found that the establishment of a phase-in period would reduce the amount of leased property offered for sale at any one time thus protecting the marketability of cabinsite lease sites. Precedent for the establishment of a phase-in period is found in the State's implementation of the school equalization payment settlement whereby the change in school funding was phased in over a period of time in order to allow for a smooth transition from the previous school funding structure. All leases are reappraised every five years. Phasing in the lease rate and appraised value only applies to the first five years the new rate is implemented. If the state needs money for education, they should manage their lands in other ways to generate money.
Schools spend money frivolously, i.e. trips to Big Mountain, sports, etc.
The state needs to manage their timberland more intensively. State is looking for a monetary value, not fair assessment to the lessees. The new lease fee makes it impossible for native Montanans to have a place on the lake. The Department feels that the comment is outside the scope of this rule making.