06-21-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 21, 1999 1996 County Highway 14 improvements--accept low bid of Mark Sand & Gravel in the amount of $967,387.85 and authorize the chairperson to sign resolution and contract documents when available. 15. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Reconvened The Board reconvened as the County Board of Tax Equalization. Frank Klein, Director of Equalization, provided his recommendations after further reviewing the three appeals from the June 7, 1999, meeting. Scott Mead, Rod Schober and Terry Springer all received a notice of the time and date of today's Board of Equalization meeting, along with a copy of Mr. Klein's recommendation concerning their respective property. Mrs. Quick asked if anyone was present in the audience concerning Mr. Klein's recommendations, and no one asked to speak to the Board at this time. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded that the Scott Mead property valuation be set at $102,000 for 1999, as recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Wieland seconded that no change be made on the Rod Schober valuation, as recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Wieland seconded that the Terry Springer appeal be denied at this time and that the county would reconsider its decision if the taxpayer can produce documentation, such as a valid appraisal or market analysis, indicating that the property is worth less than $176,000, as recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein presented a letter from Ernest Buchholz, of Buchholz Seed Farm, asking the county to remove the commercial structure assessment on his seed plant operation in light of House Bill 1 054. He indicated that he primarily uses the structures in question for farming purposes. Prior to the passage of this law, the structures had to be used exclusively for farm purposes. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded that the commercial structure assessment in the amount of $40,000 be removed from assessment on the SE 114 of Section 5, Maple River Township. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Another commercial assessment, an egg-laying operation in Harwood Township owned by Roland Wall, is being tested under the new law, according to Mr. Klein, because the owner does not have a farming operation in conjunction with the commercial egg-laying operation. Mr. Klein said the owner did not appeal the assessment to the township board of equalization, however, he could follow the abatement application procedure if he believes the assessment should be removed. The county board favored the abatement process, which would first go to the township board for their recommendation.