The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1954-09-24
INTERIM HIGHWAY
COMMITTEES FINANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Continued from Page One)

NIX concrete are TO remain dt ~ 70,
and the rates on vehicles hauling live
stock and low boy trailers are to re-
main at 500 of the regular fee. A
general increase in all rates by about
1870 is proposed to approximate the
rates in other states 1t is also pro-
posed that the minimum fee for both
trucks and trailers, exclusive of small
personal trailers, be placed at $500.
In order to place the GVW Tax
Schedule in line with the statutory
load allowances, it is proposed that
the schedules be increased above the
present $4,000 pound limits with a
comparable increase in the GVW fees.
4. That a new diesel tax law be
adopted which will conform closely
to the Model Diesel Tax Law recon-
mended by many authorities. Such a
law involves bonding of both users
and dealers and will minimize the
amount of tax evasion.
5. That an amendment to the State
Constitution be adopted which will
prevent the diversion of highway fuel
and user taxes to functions other
than those related to highways.
6. That opposition be voiced to any
changes in the method of apportion-
ing Federal Aid among the states
which would be unfavorable to the
State of Montana, principally the
adoption of any formula which would
place additional emphasis on popula-
ton as an apportionment factor.
7. That a permit system be adopt
ed which would establish fees for the
special use of the highways by con-
struction or other unlicensed, off
highway equipment, and which would
establish compensatory fees for spe-
cial permits granted to overloaded,
overwidth, over length and over
height vehicles.
8. That action be taken to insure
that trucks entering the State with
fuel in their tanks in excess of 20 |
gallons be required to pay the proper |
tax on the amount of fuel used in
the State.
9. That action be taken to assist |
the State Board of Equalization in
sufficient appropriations to
employ an adequate force so that the
of claims may be expedit-
ed, and for the purpose of investigat
ing refund claims and reducing motor
fuel tax evasion. 1t is also recon-
mended that a uniform invoice be
for motor fuel sales.
10. That the present allowance of
20 for motor fuel evaporation be re-
duced to % allowance for such tax
purposes.
II. That assessed valuation be used |
along with all other factors in deter !
mining property worth in condemna-
ton cases.
IL. That there be no increase over
the present amount of State Highway |
funds authorized for advertising pur-
poses; that any increase for this pur-
pose should be provided from other
sources.
10. That any balance of funds de-
rived from fees on highway users by
the Railroad and Public Service Com
mission be transferred to the Highway
Fund and not to the General Fund |
as at present, as the present proce-
dure constitutes diversion and has |
been the subject of repeated criti
cism by the Bureau of Public Roads. |
IA In case the required revenue
is not obtained from the preceding |
recommendations that a weight-dis-
lance tax on trucks and trailers be |
considered and studied as a replace
ment tax in lieu thereof. (Put back |
in list of recommendations at execu-
tive session following general meet
ing, Monday.)
Is. That sufficient revenue be pro-
vided to finance full scale study of |
highway needs and taxation for use
in the guidance of future legislatures.
See Highway Dept. Survey :"
display to determine how far short
the Committees proposals for up