4. Soils committee-ag land valuations

dVEO Date: October 20, 2008 Del 2 1 2008 To: Cass County Commission CASS COUNTY COMMISSJON fK From: Frank Klein, Cass County Director of Equalization Re: Soils Committee for Agricultural Land Revaluation Due to HB 1303, Cass County must revalue all agricultural lands by 2010, relying heavily on detailed soils maps. In the publication, "Guide to Assessing Agricultural Land in North Dakota" (attached), the committee recommended that each county develop a soils committee to provide recommendations to the County Commission (pgs 4-9). The purpose of the committee is to provide recommendations regarding development of productivity indexes, pricing schedules, application of modifers and other issues regarding the valuation of agricultural land. It is my recommendation to create such a committee (5-7 members) representing the entire county and that the Cass County Commission appoint farm operators or managers who are knowlegable about land productivity. It is my recommendation to pay a stipend of $20.00 per member for each meeting attended. I would envision that we would be meeting monthly through 2009 and less frequently after the revaluation is set up. I would suggest that the county take applications for appointment and that we limit the term to four years. I would suggest that the Cass County Board of Commissioners make no hard and fast decisions regarding the land valuation until after the current legislative session. It is my understanding that the current legislation will be reviewed and that we may be allowed additional time to comply with HB 1303. Suggested Resolution: WHEREAS, Cass County is not in compliance with HB 1303 regarding the valuation of agricultural lands based on detailed soils maps WHEREAS, Cass County is seeking input from experienced and knowledgable practioners in the agricultural industry to assist in the implementation of such a valuation system, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Cass County form an advisory soils committee comprised of members with knowledge in land productivity and values to provide recommendations to Cass County regarding the valuation of agricultural land for taxation purposes. SUGGESTED MOTION: Move ~o adopt ~esolution #2008-16, Establishing Advisory Soils Committee for Valuation of Agricultural Land.