11-03-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-November 3, 2008 3437 9. RESOLUTION #2008-16, Establish Advisory Soils Committee Frank Klein, Tax Director, was present. He said based on HB1303, passed during the last legislative session, Cass County must revalue all agricultural lands by 2010 and it has been recommended that each county in North Dakota develop a soils advisory committee to provide recommendations to the county commission. The purpose of the committee is to provide recommendations regarding development of productivity indexes, pricing schedules and other issues relating to valuation of agricultural land. Mr. Klein recommends a committee of five to seven members be appointed to represent the entire county. He suggested farm operators or managers knowledgeable about land productivity would be ideal to serve on the committee. He recommends the county pay a stipend of $20 per meeting to each member. Mr. Klein suggested the board advertise for applicants but cautioned them to not make any decisions on land valuations until after the 2009 legislative session. He said current legislation may be reviewed and the county may be given additional time to comply with HB1303. Senator Tom Fischer, who was present in the audience, said he was not involved with drafting this legislation. He suggested the county contact one of the local legislators involved with the farming community for clarification on the bill. Mr. Pawluk said as a result of this legislation the county has been charged with a task and is unsure what the task involves. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to adopt Resolution #2008- 16, Establishing Advisory Soils Committee for Valuation of Agricultural Land: On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION #2008-16 ESTABLISH ADVISORY SOILS COMMITTEE WHEREAS, Cass County is not in compliance with HB1303 regarding the valuation of agricultural lands based on detailed soils maps; WHEREAS, Cass County is seeking input from experienced and knowledgeable practitioners in the agricultural industry to assist in the implementation of such a valuation system; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Cass County, North Dakota, 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. Dated this 3rd day of November, 2008.