07-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 19, 1999 2005 MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to authorize the County Coordinator, Bonnie Johnson, to sign necessary documents with Foss/Kimme & Associates as owner's approval on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Commissioners took a five-minute recess about 5:00 PM. 15. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Inundated land adiustments At this time, the Board reconvened as the County Board of Tax Equalization with all members present. Frank Klein, Director of Equalization, provided a memorandum dated today requesting approval of his recommendations for reclassifying any and all agricultural land that meets the definition of inundated land under a law passed by the State Legislature this year (Senate Bill 2052). Mr. Klein also provided a copy of correspondence to County Directors of Tax Equalization, dated July 2, 1999, from the State Supervisor of Assessments containing additional information regarding inundated land. He said the legislation has been somewhat controversial as some townships have recommended that no changes be made in order to protect their tax base. Others, such as Hill Township, are recommending that no changes be made on lands that are receiving a government payment (CRP). Three members of the Lake Township Board of Supervisors were present. Jurgen Suhr, of Page, ND said their board is concerned about the township's tax base, which is already so low that it is difficult to operate. Their board feels an adjustment was already made by taxing some quarters lower than adjoining acres in the section, and the land was cheaper when it was purchased because of the water situation. Murray Patterson, of Page, ND and the Lake Township Assessor, said this new law is a paperwork nightmare because the classifications will have to be reviewed each year and valuations changed depending upon the amount of moisture that falls in a particular year. Mr. Klein agreed this is a difficult law to administer and it is directed more at the township level than the county, however, the county is obligated to comply with the provisions of State law. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded thaUhe inundated acres according to a list provided by Mr. Klein be approved and valued as recommended by the respective jurisdiction for the following townships: Eldred, Erie, Highland, Maple River, Page, Pontiac, Rich, Rochester and Tower, and the City of Leonard. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded thaUhe inundated acres according to a list provided by Mr. Klein be approved and valued as recommended by the Director of Equalization for the following townships: Clifton, Cornell, Hill, and Lake. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded thaUhe inundated acres according to a list provided by Mr. Klein be approved but that no