06-02-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

13. 14. Commission Minutes--June 2, 1997 1635 7, 1997. Cass County will continue forwarding applications to the State after that date, however, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Convened/recessed until June 16th Director of Equalization, Frank Klein, referred to his letter dated today in which he enclosed a copy of the property tax guidelines and a copy of North Dakota Century Code 57-12 County Board of Equalization. He anticipates a 5% increase in Cass County's net taxable valuation over last year. Due to the spring flood situation, Mr. Klein said various township and city assessors have not submitted their assessment rolls, and he suggested taking testimony from any individual taxpayers today and reconvene the county board of equalization to the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting. Mr. Klein received a copy of a letter addressed to Ben Hushka, Fargo City Assessor, from Noel Gunderson, and a copy of Mr. Hushka's response, concerning property taxes at 55 28th Avenue NE in the City of Fargo, ND. Mr. Wieland announced the equalization of cities and asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to address the Board in regards to their assessment. After making the announcement three times and no one asked to speak to the Board, the meeting proceeded. Mr. Wieland announced the equalization of townships and asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to address the Board in regards to their assessment. After making the announcement three times and no one asked to speak to the Board, Mr. Wieland asked for a motion to recess to the next regular Commission meeting. MOTION, passed Mrs. Quick moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to recess the County Board of Equalization until June 16, 1997. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. STATE'S ATTORNEY'S LEGAL FEES, Attorney General response Mr. Wieland said the Board was waiting for a response from the Attorney General on whether the Cass County Board of Commissioners is legally obligated to pay attorney fees incurred by the Cass County State's Attorney; and Mr. Wieland expressed appreciation for the Attorney General's reply on short notice. The response was received May 27, 1997 from Attorney General, Heidi Heitkamp, stating, in conclusion, that it is her opinion the Board is not obligated to pay the attorney fees in question. Whether to pay them is a policy decision for the Board to make, she said. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to proceed with the May 5, 1997, motion and to direct the County Auditor to pay the bill to Wold Johnson Law Firm for legal services provided to State's Attorney, John Goff, in the amount of $7,021.11 in the Title VII action that was presented to the board. Discussion: Mr. Meyer spoke first in favor of paying the bill for Mr. Goff's legal fees. He believes Mr. Goff had to hire an attorney because he did not know what the allegations were or who was making the allegations. On the question of whether Mr. Goff is considered a county employee, Mr. Meyer said he is hand-picked to represent the people of this county and to be their employee. Mr. Wieland asked if