04/05/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wayne Codner stated he owns land in western Hall County and he asked where does it stop. After the Crane Trust who will be next. He questioned the number of acres and what the taxes would be. Schuppan stated it would be $135,000.00. He also noted that values have gone up. He stated they charge for tours and collect revenue. When someone wanted to buy land they wanted to control it. Paul Wicht stated he lives in Grand Island. There are birds there for 3 months of the year. He also stated that people stop in the middle of the road to look at them and they are a hazard. Where will it stop? The $135,000.00 goes to the roads and services. If they are exempt why should they receive fire protection? Don Stoltenberg stated he read the article in the Grand island Independent and noted the quote from Attorney Jordan Adam. He would like them to consider the farmers and where do the cranes get their food, from the farmers' fields. The cranes would not be here if it wasn't for the farmers so they should be exempt also. Jim Erickson, 4233 North Road Grand Island asked if they could identify the leases and then they could determine how the land is used. That is not the only criteria; they may not be leasing the land it may lay idle for a year. Then in subsequent years they do receive revenue. They also claim to be educational but that is not their main issue. You could exempt those particular areas but they need to provide criteria that would prove that they are tax exempt. He stated you have an in house expert, Jan Pelland consider her opinion. Caroline Workman, West Denman Road stated to stand behind the assessor. Everyone needs to pay their fair share. Arnold stated that there are state statues that govern what is to be tax exempt. It is the intent of this board to follow the law and in order to do that they have to have evidence to make a decision. They are going to table this for a recommendation that Jan is comfortable with. 9 9 Wayne Codner asked if a petition of the land owners would be of a benefit. Arnold stated that the board understands how the taxpayers feel. The board wants to follow the law if they make the wrong decision they have the right to appeal. If they purchase the land for preservation or education the legislature needs to define what that may be. Their efforts may be best directed to the legislature. Lanfear stated that the board has heard the message and there isn't a landowner what wants the exemption. Arnold stated that the board needs to do what is legally required. Schuppan suggested delivering a petition with 300 signatures to the Crane Trust. Lancaster noted that the taxpayers have taken the time to be here and the board is not anxious to erode the tax base this will affect the schools and Hall County. The board wants to follow the law and they will do what they can to make sure the tax base stays in place. She stated the board is here to serve them. Arnold stated that what the Crane Trust is asking will set precedence for other land owners to do the same and it could be a huge issue across the state. The legislature needs to address this issue. 2