Today, the City of Missoula and Missoula County, Montana, known for their natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, are confronting significant financial hurdles.
According to a recent analysis by Truth in Accounting of the city and county's 2023 annual comprehensive financial reports, the City of Missoula needs $152 million, and Missoula County needs $42.4 million to settle all their bills.
This analysis reveals a Taxpayer Burden™ of $5,300 at the city level and $900 at the county level, underscoring substantial financial strain. A Taxpayer Burden™ is the approximate dollar amount that would be required of each taxpayer in order to pay off all of a government's liabilities.
These fiscal challenges have been exacerbated by delays in financial reporting over the past three years, which can be attributed to high staff turnover within the county's administration. "Despite the natural splendor and cultural attractions that define this region, their financial management requires attention," said Sheila Weinberg, CEO and Founder of Truth in Accounting.
This assessment was commissioned by the Missoula County Republican Central Committee as an unbiased account of the city and county's financial state. Truth in Accounting makes no tax and spending policy recommendations. Our mission is to empower citizens and elected officials by opening financial books to create a fiscally realistic debate about the government's economic future.
