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Valuation increases discussed at RC tax hearingBy MaryHelen Swanson A tax hearing Dec. 15, brought few people to the council chambers in Rush City. Most on hand had issues with the county assessor who was not in attendance at the meeting. Of particular concern was the significant increase in valuation of a non-profit building and a local business building. Harold Lind noted that the valuation increased 360 percent on the Masonic Hall, and Jim and Phyllis Bohaty said that they had a 66 percent valuation increase on their hardware store. The Bohatyís said that while they feel the tax was fair, the drastic valuation increase all at once was difficult to accept. City Administrator Daniel Hoffman said he understood that commercial and industrial valuations were increased considerably by the county assessor this year. He suggested both the Masons and Bohatys contact the county assessor regarding these increases and to attend the board of adjustment meeting next spring. That is the time to bring concerns about oneís valuation and taxes, he noted. The 2004 levy stands at $362,810, up from 2003ís $321,100. The biggest change shows up in the general fund levy which was increased $57,000 due to the loss of Local Government Aid (LGA) from the state. Hoffman said the increase is actually less the LGA loss, which was $72,000. By keeping to a ìbare bonesî budget, the council was able to keep the increase down. In a separate hearing, the council approved a minor subdivision for Beverly Robinson. The subdivision splits a 60-foot x 150-foot parcel from the home site along First Avenue. ©ECM Post Review |