"Government is instituted for the common good…not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men." - John Adams
Over the past several months, I've had the opportunity to visit with many of you at your doors, in your businesses, and at community events across Carbon County. Those conversations shape how I represent you in Helena. I work for you – homeowners, renters, farmers, ranchers, small business owners – not party bosses or out-of-state organizations.
Property Tax Relief: What Carbon County Homeowners Need to Know
Working with Governor Gianforte, we delivered responsible property tax relief that cut taxes for more than 80% of Montana homeowners while protecting funding for local schools, hospitals, and roads. Most Carbon County homeowners saw reductions in 2025, and – absent local mill increases – should see an additional 17% reduction on average in 2026.
A few things you should know right now:
- Homeowners (primary residence): Most Carbon County homeowners saw average reductions of 7.5% in 2025 and will see an additional 17% reduction, on average, in 2026.
- Long-term rental owners: If you convert a property from short-term to long-term rental, you can apply during the reopened enrollment window starting on May 4th to receive the reduced rates for Tax Year 2027.
- Agriculture & small business: Ag producers and local businesses will see average reductions of 10% and 17.5%, respectively, in Tax Year 2026.
- Short-term rental & second-home owners: These properties generally pay higher rates under the reform to protect full-time Montana residents.
If you missed enrollment for your homestead, there will be another opportunity starting May 4, 2026, through March 1, 2027.
These reforms aren’t perfect, but are working — and I intend to keep working until every Carbon County resident homeowner sees the full benefit.
Rural Schools and Property Tax Pressure
Earlier this month, I participated in the School Funding Interim Commission, where we continued to work on Montana K-12 education funding and what that means for local property taxes. One number stayed with me: more than half of Montana's school districts have 200 or fewer students, yet they still must operate full systems of administration, facilities, and transportation. Rural counties like ours carry higher per-student costs for reasons that have nothing to do with how well our schools are run.
That's why I passed House Bill 567, allowing shared services between districts – a common-sense tool that lets small schools stay strong without duplicating administrative overhead. It's one piece of a larger effort to protect rural schools while easing pressure on local property taxpayers.
On the Noise from Helena
You may have seen headlines about internal party disputes. Here's the short version: some insiders would rather I take orders from them than listen to the people who actually elected me. I won't, and I won't apologize for it. These party insiders are the same folks suing Governor Gianforte’s administration to repeal your homestead property tax reductions.
I will always put Carbon County first – standing up to dark money groups, party bosses, and out-of-state special interests pushing their own agenda at Montana's expense. That's what you sent me to Helena to do, and I'm going to keep doing it.
A Note on the East Side Fire
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the East Side Fire. Carbon County is fortunate to have dedicated firefighters and first responders who step up without hesitation, and their service during difficult moments deserves our deepest respect and gratitude.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out with your questions and feedback. Those conversations are the most important part of this job.
It is an honor to serve you.
Brad Barker
Representative
House District 55 (Carbon County)
brad@bradbarker.com
bradbarker.com
https://www.facebook.com/Representative.Barker
406-426-1034
