Montana Code Annotated 2021

TITLE 22. LIBRARIES, ARTS, AND ANTIQUITIES

CHAPTER 1. LIBRARIES

Part 3. Free Public Libraries

Tax Levy -- Special Library Fund -- Bonds

22-1-304. Tax levy -- special library fund -- bonds. (1) Subject to 15-10-420, the governing body of a city or county that has established a public library may levy in the same manner and at the same time as other taxes are levied a tax in the amount necessary to maintain adequate public library service.

(2) (a) The governing body of a city or county may by resolution submit the question of imposing a tax levy to a vote of the qualified electors at an election as provided in 15-10-425. The resolution must be adopted at least 85 days prior to the election at which the question will be voted on, and, pursuant to the deadline in 13-1-504, the election may not be held less than 85 days after the resolution is adopted.

(b) Upon a petition being filed with the governing body and signed by not less than 5% of the resident taxpayers of any city or county requesting an election for the purpose of imposing a mill levy, the governing body shall submit to a vote of the qualified electors at an election conducted as provided in 15-10-425 the question of imposing the mill levy. The petition must be delivered to the governing body at least 85 days prior to the election at which the question will be voted on.

(3) The proceeds of the tax constitute a separate fund called the public library fund and may not be used for any purpose except those of the public library.

(4) Money may not be paid out of the public library fund by the treasurer of the city or county except by order or warrant of the board of library trustees.

(5) Bonds may be issued by the governing body in the manner prescribed by law for the following purposes:

(a) building, altering, repairing, furnishing, or equipping a public library or purchasing land for the library;

(b) buying a bookmobile or bookmobiles; and

(c) funding a judgment against the library.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-220; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 431, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 39, Ch. 250, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 333, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 123, Ch. 584, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 31, Ch. 495, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 128, Ch. 574, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 453, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 232, Ch. 49, L. 2015.