Proceedings of the Town of Pine Lake Special Board Meeting 1 held on August 20, 2012, at 5:00 P.M., in the Pine Lake Community Building, 4197 River Road, Fire Department Room # 1.
Notice of meeting was posted in three (3) locations within the Township of Pine Lake according to Wisconsin Statutes.
PRESENT: Chairman Jim Flory, Supervisors Brian Gehrig, Timothy Oestreich, Matt Matteson, and Nick Scholtes, and Clerk Cindy Skinner. Assessor Lee DeGroot and Jack Sorensen also present.
Chairman Flory called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Motion by Matt Matteson to approve the agenda, second by Nick Scholtes. Motion carried by voice vote.
Discuss Assessor decision regarding tax exemption of Hodag Sports Club, Inc.
Assessor Lee DeGroot explained why Hodag Sports Club, Inc., had been granted a tax exemption for 10 acres of land and improvement on the basis of being a benevolent entity.
There are two criteria that were looked at when granting the exemption – 1) non-profit and 2) have to relieve the state of some expense. The application showed that the club is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit corporation. The application further stated that law enforcement uses as a training facility thus relieving costs of having their own facility. It was pointed out that the parcel located in the town of Pine Lake is not used for law enforcement as it is only a shotgun range whereas the facility located in the town of Crescent is the rifle and pistol shooting range which is where law enforcement would train.
Question as to why the town board was not informed. The decision is strictly that of the assessor but Mr. DeGroot agreed that he should’ve talked with board prior to granting the exemption. The process had been started with the Pat Grabner, former lead assessor, and Mr. DeGroot finished the process. His opinion had been to grant the exemption based on information received from Hodag Sports Club. The entire application package had been sent to the town board last week to review for this meeting. He explained how he came to decision. Discussion.
Question as to what can now be done since board does not agree with assessor’s decision to grant exemption. Can stay as is for 2012, put back on tax roll next year (2013) and then charge 2012 as an omitted tax.
Assessor will consult with an attorney to get clarification and an opinion if the exemption was proper. Discussion regarding house on that parcel that is currently rented out.
Further discussion on reversing the exemption. Board of Review will remain open until review is completed within a few weeks.
Motion by Matt Matteson to adjourn, second by Tim Oestreich. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Submitted by
Cindy Skinner, Clerk