01-21-1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Jim Antonoplos from Willow Creek Subdivision presented a petition signed by 29 property owners in his area opposing the tax exemption. He stated that three of his neighbors have homes for sale, and a tax exemption on new construction would make it even more difficult to sell existing homes in the rural areas. Mr. Mark Vanyo was present for the hearing representing the Fargo- Moorhead Home Builders and the Fargo- Moorhead Board of Realtors encouraging the Commission to approve the exemption in order to promote some of the rural areas where lots have been vacant. He stated that some people who may wish to build a home in the County would build in Fargo instead because Fargo approved the 2 -year tax exemption. Clarence Miller, County Director of Tax Equalization, stated that he could foresee problems in administering the 2 -year tax exemption because many of the townships do not issue building permits and it would be difficult to determine the starting date of construction and the completion date. He stated that in 1985 in the City of Fargo, the mill rate could have been reduced 7 mills if this tax exempt property had been placed on the tax rolls. Floyd Buerkley, Fargo City Assessor, was present and stated that the 2 -year tax exemption is difficult legislation to administrate because the exemption only applies to the first owner /occupant. If the ownership transfers, the exemption does not qualify. Commissioner Stanton felt that implementing such a tax exemption is unfair to people who are paying their taxes. Mr. Wieland reminded the Commission of the three original reasons for passing this legislation, these being: unpaid special assessments, creating a future tax base, and to create jobs. There being no further comments, Mrs. Stanton moved and Mr. Larson seconded that Cass County reject the two -year tax exemption on new construction for rural Cass County. The motion carried on roll call vote with four members voting "Aye Mr. Wieland opposing. The Commission recessed for a meeting of the Cass County Building Authority, and then reconvened as the County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Larson moved and Mrs. Stanton seconded to approve the action of the Cass County Building Authority accepting Change Order G -1 in the amount of $252.00 for removal of trees for the Courthouse south addition project. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Larson moved and Mrs. Stanton seconded that the County Auditor pay the bills for rental of the County Court recording equipment from the Court Recording Equipment line item in the 1986 budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.