3.8% increase in 2016 tax levy for Clearwater County residents
The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners met on December 15, 2015 and included a discussion about public access road maintenance, the General Revenue Budget Hearing for 2016, and commercial property tax increases by the County Assessor.
During the General Revenue Budget Hearing for 2016, Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson stated that there will be a 3.8% increase over last year’s levy. A motion to approve the levy for county purposes for taxes payable in 2016 was made by Commissioner Neal Illies and seconded by Commissioner Arlen Syverson. The motion was passed unanimously by the Board members.
Commissioner Neal Illies, and Commissioner John Nelson seconded a motion to approve the Departmental Budgets under the County Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2016. The motion was passed unanimously by the Board members.
Tom Olson brought an issue to the Commissioners about the Upper LaSalle Lake Public Access Road (200th Street), which he and several other residents in that area use to gain access to their homes. He stated that he had been maintaining part of the road for many years; however, he received a letter from the Clearwater County Attorney stating he should cease doing so, and not touch the road.
He asked that Clearwater County maintain the road for year round use, or allow him to continue maintaining it. The question about need for 911 services was brought up, as the residents do not feel there is adequate access for them to respond there.
Another area citizen present had similar questions, and wanted to know whose responsibility it is to maintain the road there.
Chairman Dan Stenseng stated this road has been intended to be a "public access road" to the lake, and they have liability to not maintain the road in winter to discourage people from going out on the lake in winter. He also stated that if they call 911, the services would come from another service area, although there are services closer.
It was stated that there is another access to the properties. It was concluded that the best course of action is for the residents to sign a petition requesting maintenance, and take it before the Township Board in the area to see if they would be willing to spend money to maintain the road. Both Commissioners Neal Illies and John Nelson encouraged them to follow this advice. Commissioner Nelson reminded the residents their concerns should ultimately be addressed to the Board, as the Land Commissioner answers to them.
Land Commissioner Bruce Cox stated that the Land Department has 34 miles of forest road to maintain, plus public accesses to lakes. It was determined in 2014 that any road improvements must be approved by Mr. Cox. He said minimal maintenance is done on the access road.
County Assessor Jamie Freeman discussed the complexities of the Minnesota statutes and policies which dictate the commercial property valuations and taxes. She said it is based on sales, and properties are classified according to use. If residents have questions she said they should come to see her at the courthouse. A valuation notification will be sent out in March.
The County Sheriff's Department received approval to schedule a Public Employee Safety Training, which will be put on by the Minnesota Sheriffs Association at a cost of $1200.
The Commissioners gave authorization to continue the Administrative Agreement with the North Country Community Health Board representing Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Counties from Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2016. Total contract for services during that period will be $52,000, depending on grant allocations.
County Engineer, Dan Sauvé received authorization to pay the Highway Department bills in the amount of $7,890.
County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $134,724 from the County Revenue Fund, and $84,123 from Nursing Service. A 2016 liquor license was approved for Marvin Sauer for Lobo’s Bar & Grill, Inc.
Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.