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8. COUNTY ASSESSOR— DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING <br /> PERMISSIVE EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS FOR PLATTE RIVER WHOOPING <br /> CRANE MAINTENANCE TRUST - <br /> Chairman Arnold called public participation <br /> Attorney Jordan Adam noted that the hearing was held and he submitted a letter <br /> regarding the exemption application on April 4, 2015. He also stated that this is the 4th <br /> time his issue has been discussed and he stated he objects allowing further arguments. <br /> Chainman Arnold stated that his objection is noted but this is a public meeting and the <br /> board allows people to speak. The assessor needed additional time to make a <br /> decision. This is not a public hearing it is allowing public comment. <br /> Greg Baxter 4444 West 13th street, Grand Island thanked the board for allowing him to <br /> comment. He noted that the board has heard from several people since this topic has <br /> come up. He noted that the trust states that it is a public benefit and is asking for tax <br /> exempt status. He stated that he had e mailed a letter to the county board members <br /> and stated he will leave a printed copy. He read the letter to the board and stated that <br /> "granting this exemption will place an additional undue burden upon the entirety of the <br /> remaining residents and businesses located within Hall County. Therefore, He feels the <br /> request should be denied in its entirety." He also stated that they offer internships on a <br /> regular basis and he may pursue using this as a justification for an exemption. <br /> Arnold stated they appreciate comments to the board. <br /> Donna Narbor requested to address the county board. She stated she worked at the <br /> Crane trust for 25 years and worked with 4 different directors. It was a wonderful <br /> opportunity to work there with the college students and schools. The past <br /> administration stated they would never ask to be removed from the tax rolls. <br /> Jim Erikson, 4233 Nordic Road, Grand Island requested to address the board. He <br /> noted that the key to exemption is the use and purpose of the property. You need to <br /> look at the purpose that the Crane Trust was established for. It was established for the <br /> primary purposed to maintain habitat for the piping plover and other small birds. <br /> They chose to purchase several thousand acres of ground and there are taxes to be <br /> paid on the property based on soil type, land use and market value. The bulk of that <br /> ground is being used for production of grass and crops similar to the farmers. They use <br /> the ground for habitat and preservation of the birds and farmers use it to produce food <br /> and fiber for our citizens. The Whooping Crane Trust has added education activities <br /> and research and neither of these are needed to accomplish their purpose. The <br /> educational opportunities do not have a direct effect on how they meet their obligations <br /> to preserve the habitat of the birds and it does not change the purpose of the land. He <br /> would encourage the board to deny the application and it will be appealed but this will <br /> give an additional opportunity to defend the position and review the criteria that is used <br /> for tax exempt status. We need to look at the legislature to clarify the exemption status. <br /> 4 <br />