06-19-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--June 19, 1995 1355 18. Rick Berg, Reed Township resident, was present to speak in favor of the tax exemption because new construction has been slow on a number of vacant lots in the subdivision in which he lives. No one else asked to speak in favor of the proposed tax exemption. Chairman Ness invited comments in opposition to the proposed tax exemption and hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Wieland said he typically doesn't like tax exemptions but feels the county could support this exemption until such time as the decision is made by other communities in the county to discontinue exemptions for new home construction. Mr. Eckert said he cannot support a tax exemption on new home construction when the Commission just denied a business exemption. MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to adopt Resolution #1995-10 granting approval of a two-year tax exemption for new homes under construction between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 1995. On roll call vote, motion carried with four members voting 'Aye', and Mr. Eckert opposing. ORDINANCE #1995-2 SECOND READING DELAYED, Special assessments About 100 Cass County residents were present for an open forum held prior to today's regular Commission meeting, and the topic of discussion was a proposed ordinance to implement special assessment authority for infrastructure improvements. Of those citizens present at this time, opposition to the proposed special assessments ordinance was expressed by Joe Nelson, who served on the Home Rule Charter Committee; Jerome Nipstad, President of the Cass County Township Officer's Association; Carl Peterson, representing the Cass County Farm Bureau; Warren Solberg, Cass County Farmers Union President; and David Strand, Chairman of the Empire Township Board of Supervisors. Written testimony was provided by Mr. Nipstad, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Solberg and Mr. Strand. Mrs. Schneider said commissioners are hearing that people in the rural communities still do not understand the special assessments purpose and how it works. She said it appears that a motor fuels tax is not viable and a sales tax would require that an election be held. She suggested delaying a decision today to allow more time to get the message across that special assessment districts are a viable option which the county needs to look at in order to preserve the county road and bridge system in Cass County. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to delay the second reading of proposed special assessments ordinance so that a study committee can be formed and