Maco - Montana Association Of Counties
Author: Broadwater County Commissioners
MACO - Montana Association of Counties
Broadwater County Commissioners
In 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously stated in a letter to French scientist Jean Baptiste Le-Roy that “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”
How right he was. The 2025 Montana State Legislative session currently has over 30 bills related to property tax, and that is a decrease from the initial 118 bills that started the session in various draft forms. Some went to bill purgatory, others were killed or tabled in hearings. Why is this pertinent to the county, you ask? Because according to Montana Free Press and legmt.gov, nearly 700 bills are in consideration this session and a multitude of those bills directly affect local governments and their residents.
From taxes, permitting, and mental health to Medicaid expansion, labor laws, and environmental regulations, local governments across the state scramble throughout the session to stay informed and involved while continuing to perform their duties as elected officials. Whether full-time or part-time and balancing public service with their personal livelihoods, neither is conducive to following the turbulent changes and developments of the session where the voice and influence of local government is crucial. It is the duty of local elected officials to recognize, challenge, and support legislation that directly affects our communities and may hinder the autonomy of county governments, in the same sense the federal government can tread on states’ rights.
The Montana Association of Counties (MACo) helps bridge the gap between legislators and counties.
Established in 1909 as the Montana Association of County Commissioners, MACo has evolved to become a comprehensive organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and resource provision for Montana's 56 counties. MACo serves at the direction of its executive board, which is comprised exclusively of county commissioners who are elected by MACo’s membership of county commissioners. To put it curtly, MACo administration takes their marching orders from the members, the majority of who represent rural counties.
MACo gives local governments a voice and plays a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing the operations of county governments across the state. By representing the collective interests of counties, MACo ensures that the unique needs and challenges of rural and urban areas alike are considered in state policymaking. This advocacy is crucial for securing funding, influencing legislation, and protecting the independence of county governments, which can easily be trampled by well-meaning legislators who are a step removed from implementing the policies they create.
MACo offers counties a wealth of resources and solutions that extend beyond traditional lobbying, demonstrating an unparalleled understanding and commitment to representing the diverse needs of Montana’s counties. MACo pools counties’ resources to provide more affordable services and solutions to members with their Workers’ Compensation Trust (WCT), Property and Casualty Trust (PCT), and Health Care Trust (HCT). Furthermore, MACo has options for cybersecurity, education and training, professional development, public outreach, and invaluable networking and resources for county officials. Training programs cover a wide range of topics, including governance, budgeting, legal issues, and public administration. This is critical for commissioners coming from all walks of life.
For local governments, the Montana Association of Counties stands as a vital advocate and resource, ensuring that the diverse needs of Montana's counties are addressed in state policymaking, services and training. Through support and advocacy efforts, MACo offers outreach to the public and empowers county officials to navigate the complexities of the legislative session, safeguard their county’s autonomy, and effectively serve their communities.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Broadwater County
Image 1 Caption: BWCO Seal
