Bending rules for one means bending for all
Bending rules for one means bending for all
Neighborhood Revitalization Program rules are in place for a reason and probably should be followed.
That was the common thread Monday when Marion County Commission discussed more special circumstances with the county's plan.
County appraiser Cindy Magill said she had a request from a commercial property owner who currently participates in the rebate plan and is wanting to construct a new building on the location.
According to the plan, only one approved application is allowed for each property.
The biggest concern was how the county treasurer's office would track the sliding rebate for two buildings with the same parcel number. Magill also said it would be difficult for her to determine a start value which is required for the rebate.
"This could become an administrative nightmare," Magill said.
"If someone develops a condominium and keeps building on, the rebate could go on forever," commissioner Dan Holub said.
However, Holub said businesses often expand and he wants to give everyone, including this particular business, the opportunity to participate in the program.
County treasurer Jeannine Bateman explained that the computer system automatically figures the rebate information. Holub asked if it could be done manually. Bateman responded it could.
"It will take twice as long to do this manually," Magill said, and she was concerned if this would open it up for more conditions like this to occur.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke referred to the rules of the program that only one property is allowed to be on the program.
Magill agreed and said property owners can be asked to be removed from the plan and then would be able to reapply for another building which could be part of the plan.
She reminded the commission that improvements to a property do not necessarily mean the property value will increase.
"The way I see it, this is not allowed with this plan," Magill said.
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson also is reviewing the application.
Decisions were tabled.
In other business:
— The commission entered a six-minute executive session with Magill for her department head evaluation. No decisions were made when the meeting reconvened.
