BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 32.2.405 pertaining to department of livestock miscellaneous fees

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On September 4, 2014, the Department of Livestock published MAR Notice No. 32-14-254 regarding the proposed amendment of the above-stated rule at page 1976 of the 2014 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 17.

 

2. The department has amended the above-stated rule as proposed.

 

3.  The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT #1: 

 

After extensive deliberation on the matter pertaining to the increase of fees from 75 cents to $1.00 a head on all livestock brand inspection activities the Montana Stockgrowers Association does not support such an increase at this time.  Whereas inspection fees were recently increased by 50%.  If all other proposed DOL program fee adjustments and legislative funding requests are not realized in 2015 then the Montana Stockgrowers Association would reconsider their support for a proposal to adjust livestock inspection fees post 2015 legislature.

 

RESPONSE #1: 

 

The Montana Board of Livestock considered the comment received from the Montana Stockgrowers Association. After due deliberation the board decided that, due to the proposed fee increase being submitted as part of the FY 2016-2017 budget, and additional funds being necessary to balance the FY 2015 budget, they have no choice but to continue with the fee increase as proposed.  Waiting until after the 2015 Legislature will not bring in sufficient income for FY 2015. This increase is necessary at this time in order to have a balanced budget for FY 2015. 

 

DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK

 

BY:      /s/ Christian Mackay                        BY:      /s/ Sherry Rust

            Christian Mackay                                         Sherry Rust

            Executive Officer                                         Rule Reviewer

            Board of Livestock

            Department of Livestock

 

            Certified to the Secretary of State October 27, 2014.