A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

18 January 2017

Most Montana motorists probably can afford a 10¢/gallon gas tax increase

The Montana Infrastructure Coalition, which is dominated by groups with a vested interest in big public works projects — roads, bridges, buildings — recommends increasing Montana’s tax on gasoline and diesel fuel by ten cents a gallon.

A ten cents a gallon increase works out to a four percent increase in the price of fuel that costs $2.50 per gallon, and probably is within the means of most owners of automobiles and light trucks who drive up to 2,500 miles a month:

gas_tax_increase

For operators of buses and big trucks, the vehicles putting the most weight on roads, and that use a lot more fuel per mile than Aunt Jenny’s compact sedan, the four percent increase will have a significant impact on operating expenses that they might not be able to pass on to their customers.

I‘m willing to consider a small increase in Montana’s fuel tax. I’m less inclined to support legalizing a four percent local option sales tax for cities such as Billings and Kalispell.