Old Ski Hill Consensus Committee Meeting Minutes 6/12/00
Attending: Kevin Bader, Sue Abrahamsen, Vicki Wenz, Amy Wilfahrt, Cathi Williams, Bob Fenwick, George Wilkes and Bill Hansen.
Meeting convened at 7:10.
Ted Mershon, Cook County Assessor, appeared and presented an overview of the property tax system. He pointed out that the class rate is set by the legislature and is "not equitable" due to varying tax rates. The county assessor is required to keep assessed valuations within 90 - 105% of market value. The tax extension rate (aka "mil rate") is calculated by dividing the total budget needs by the tax capacity. If new development is built, it will not bring more money to the city, county, or schools. It will increase the total tax capacity (or the size of the pie). While this has the potential to reduce each property's tax bill, it also has the potential for increasing costs due to requirement of increased services. The actual demand on services from new development is difficult to predict accurately.
Property owners in the county outside Grand Marais pay approximately 100% of their tax capacity, while property owners in Grand Marais pay about 140% of their tax capacity, reflecting the cost of city services.
Non profits generally don't pay property tax, depending on their acitivities and by laws.
Discussion followed Ted's presentation and he answered questions about details of property tax calculations.
The committee expressed their gratitude for Ted's presentation.
Consensus was reached that Kevin will develop a questionaire for Grand Marais business owners designed to identify their interests and concerns with the future of the Old Ski Hill property. He will present the questionaire at the next meeting for approval.
Discussion on the concept of Grand Marais as a destination for tourism travel, types of tourism, and seasonal challenges.
Consensus was reached on the goal of having the Old Ski Hill property enhance Grand Marais as a year 'round tourism destination.
Consensus was proposed, but not reached on the goal of having the Old Ski Hill property enhance Grand Marais as a winter tourism destination.
Amy reported her conversations with Norm Assan, who is a fen and water run off expert and Jan Johnson who is a moss expert. They are willing to make a presentation. Amy will confirm dates with them.
Bill agreed to invite Chuck Schmidt, County Engineer, to give a presentation on road and related issues.
Consensus was reached on only having one outside speaker per meeting.
Bill reported that the Old Ski Hill Consensus Committee web site is up. It can be linked to from the Boreal Access Community Page.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05
Respectfully submitted, Bill Hansen