The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1945-03-08
Rep. Krd|| Tells
Of Legislative
Activities


turned Saturday afternoon from
Helena where for the past two
months he has been representing
Lincoln county in the legislature
In discussing the work of the law
making body, Mr.. Krall remarked
that he considered, taking it by and
all, the recent legislative gathering
has been a successful session.
The Lincoln county representa-
tive pointed out that among other
projects, the following levies had
been passed:
| A special 5 mill levy on property
!. outside cities and towns for post
war deferred maintenance and con-
}struction of county roads and
bridges This act will expire June
80, l947. A similar special S mill
levy on city and town property for
streets and alleys, expiring June
80, 1947 was also passed.
Cities and counties received
mill increase for airports, and live
stock shows were given a Vi mill
levy. A | mill additional levy was
added to third class cities for fire
mems pensions; while special coun-
ty and district levies will care for
teachers retirement averaging "a
mills. A similar county and city "
mill levy for public employees re-
tirement is elective by aforesaid
units. An increase is allowed in
county general fund for rural fire
fighting, averaging N of mill.
The act expires June 30, lo47.
For the next two. years, counties
are permitted to levy 4 extra mills
for poor fund regardless of per cap
tia levy Now open to only half
the counties. Act expires June 80,
1947 County officials salaries may
be increased, averaging 4 mills, and
effective January /, 1947 A | mill
county or district health unit levy
in case general fund is insufficient
to meet budget. An increase of 8
mills for parks, Fairgrounds, civic
and youth centers, raises the total
to mills. County geological and
historical museums " mill, and
county or district cemeteries ]
mill.
A 2 mill average additional coun-
~ levy II high schools follow fr1ax
imum budget schedule in effect next
two years Increased county and
district school levies averaging 3
mills for one year only If schools in
crease reserves 10 percent as now
provided by new law, also in
creased high school and elementary
school levies Of probably mill to
replace unexpended appropriated
funds to place in postwar deferred
maintenance fund that otherwise
would be used to reduce tax levies
in following year.
OF course the representative re-
marked, most Of our municipal units
will not take full advantage Of all
these opportunities. Local public
opinion throughout the state will
largely determine the amount Of
increased taxation. An intensive
education program by the Taxpay-
ers' Assn and careful checking of
budgets and tax levies by associa
ton and tax agents will greatly re-
duce the dangerous threat.
Mr. Krall also pointed out that a
patrolmen's retirement bill passed
the legislature, and added, the legis-
lature is trying to raise the aver
age payment on old age assistance
to S32 per month. There are 1920
people in Montana receiving old
age assistance which on the above
basis will cost the state Sl,596,800
There are $500 dependent children
/ in Montana and an average pay
ment Of Sl4 per child will amount
to 1919, 100. For aid to needy blind
people at an average payment OF
4 S35 per month, the cost to the state
I will be $4,000 The foregoing aid IS
\ to become effective July /, l945.
/ The Veterans Welfare Commission
has expanded its service to provide
service officer in every county.
This bill has been signed by Gov.
Ford