Big Sky Economic Development pulls support for local option tax authority

Big Sky Economic Development http://www.bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org/ reversed its support of a local option sales tax authority for the 2017 legislative session after criticism from Yellowstone County commissioners, who control the agency’s budget.

During its Dec. 8 meeting, Big Sky’s board, in a divided vote, walked back its earlier decision to support the local option tax authority that would give local governments the authority to ask voters to impose a sales tax up to 3 percent.

That vote to remain neutral came after Yellowstone County Commissioners John Ostlund and Jim Reno raised concerns during Big Sky’s November meeting. Both commissioners have spoken against tax increases in the past.

By ERIK OLSON [email protected]

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/business/big-sky-economic-development-pulls-support-for-local-option-tax/article_0b27df65-a121-59b0-b16d-8105d5354e73.html