June 1, 2020 Special Meeting

The Lakota City Council held a tax abatement hearing on June 1st, 2020, at the City Hall.  Mayor Russo called the hearing to order at 5:45 p.m. All Council Members were present, except Member Rainsberry who was absent.  Audience members were Brad Hooey, Rodney Brossart, Susan Brossart, Thomas Brossart and Jacob Brossart.  Tax Director Michelle Linstad was also present.

Mayor Russo recognized Tax Director Linstad. 

Mrs. Linstad stated she was in attendance to provide information on the tax assessment for Antonia Brossart as there is a request for tax abatement on her property for year 2019.  Mrs. Linstad provided the council with documentation of how she came up with a value on Mrs. Brossart’s property.  Mrs. Linstad stated a nearby condo is listed for sale at $149,000 and the tax value of Mrs. Brossart’s property is at $88,896.   Mrs. Linstad stated she did not recommend approving the abatement application.

Rodney and Susan Brossart entered the meeting at 5:49pm

Jacob Brossart and Thomas Brossart entered the meeting at 5:52pm

Mayor Russo recognized Jacob Brossart.

Mr. J. Brossart stated he felt his grandmother’s property should be reduced to $78,433 for tax year 2019 as the property cards for 2020 shows a decrease in value. 

Member Vasichek stated the properties are reviewed annually and is cut both ways.  Member Vasichek explained that the city doesn’t retroact previous years on properties that are re-evaluated and increased the following year, and this shouldn’t be any different.

Brad Hooey entered the meeting at 5:58pm

Mr. R. Brossart stated the current condo that is listed has no buyer and has been on the market for a year.  Mr. R. Brossart stated the town is dead and isn’t a good place to live.

Member R. Mattern stated county-wide all properties are being undervalued and the state is requiring all cities to fix that.

Member Vasichek made a motion to recommend to the Nelson County Commissioners to deny Antonia Brossart’s request for a tax abatement for year 2019, seconded by Member Hess.  On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor.  Motion carried.

Mayor Russo explained to the audience that the city council is recommending denying the request and the application will now move onto the County Commissioners for final action.

Member D. Mattern made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member Vasichek.  All voting in favor.  Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:10pm

 

            APPROVED BY:                                             SUBMITTED BY:

           

 

Jeff Russo, Mayor                                            Amie Vasichek, Auditor