Resort tax collection in Columbia Falls slightly less than last year

Columbia Falls' resort tax revenue came in a little less than last year, according to City Manager Eric Hanks.

Total revenue, less the 5% business administration reimbursement, was $1.549 million as compared to $1.57 million the year before.

The tax rebate to city property owners will be $407,648, which is about $34,000 less than last year. The tax rebate per property depends on the property's assessment.

Fifty-five percent of the city’s 3% resort tax goes to public safety, paying the salaries and benefits of four police officers ($440,000) and two-and-a-half firefighters ($275,000). In addition, it will pay to replace one police vehicle and put $20,000 toward the debt on the city’s new fire engine. There is also about $82,000 in reserve.

In addition, 14%, or about $228,000, goes toward infrastructure. The city now has an infrastructure reserve of just under $421,000.

Why this year's resort tax receipts were down slightly isn’t entirely clear, but this year’s revenue projections are $1.842 million, with about $1.75 million available for expenditure. The law allows for 5% back to business to administer the tax, and the city also keeps 1% for administration.

The city should see new businesses coming online later this year, including a new car wash on Meadow Lake Boulevard.