Missoula boosts tourist home fees 825%; opponents see property infringement

Nearly two months after sending a proposal to boost the initial fee to register a tourist home by 825% back to committee for additional work, the measure passed City Council on Monday night with few changes but sudden concern for the welfare of taxpayers.

City Council also boosted the annual renewal fee by 564%. While members of council have frequently approved endeavors that are subsidized by taxpayers, many on Monday suggested that regulating tourist homes should pay for itself.