1998 - 01-05-98 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 ern f360K 17 Frsf 1 ® As a candidate for the Board of Commissioners I pledged four things - (1) listen to the people, (2) try to get the facts on each issue, (3) be fair in my deliberations and (4) vote for what I thought to be in the best: interest of the most people in Lee County over the longest period of time. Upon being sworn in office each member of the Board of Commissioners took an oath to uphold the constitution and the laws of the United States and North Carolina. Before the vote is taken Madam Chair I wish to remind all present of the facts as I understand them. If any are in error I welcome corrections. Pretty much in order, the facts are: (1) Tax Office did not receive a timely request for exemption from the Church in 1996,- (2) There is no record of an appeal on the value of the property assigned for 1996; (3) On May 28, 1997 the Assistant Tax Administrator sent a form and allowed the Church ten days to return same; (4) On August 11, 1997 the Tax Office received from the Church of Christ of Sanford the application for property tax exemption with the "year" filled in for "1996 and 1997". (5) That form was dated February 17, 1997 and signed by Mike Glenn, Trustee (which means it was signed and dated prior to the May 28th letter and form sent: by the Assistant Tax Administrator). (6) The Tax Administrator, on advice of the County Attorney, recommended approval of the untimely application for 1997, but deny 1996. (7) The foregoing facts brought us to the appeal through their attorney at our November 1.7, 1997 meeting. On a four to three vote, we upheld the Tax Administrator, County Attorney and County Manager. (8) Shortly after that I received from another member of the Church that I have known for a number of years and for whom I have the utmost respect, a letter which among other things suggested we go the Institute of Government and get an opinion. Primarily because of that letter I sent Professor Campbell a letter on November 24, 1997 and all materials pertaining to the matter and asked his opinion as to our legal authority to exempt the property for 1996. All of you and some members of the Church received copies of my letter and Mr. Campbell's