The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner John Gray and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.
Layne Anderson came in and spoke with the Commission about the recent passing of his dad and the position that he held. Layne shared his story of the background his family had with the Cornland Special Road District and his passion for filling the role his mother and father played on the Road Districts Board, as well as his grandfather before them.
Layne had reviewed a lot of paperwork and information about the Road District Board and asked the Commission about a few individuals on the board and asked if there was a way that he could be appointed. Jim asked if he was living in the township to which he assured the Commission he was. Jim then grabbed the township chart and checked out the positions available, spoke over what the positions required and told him to go back and speak with the other members of the board to see what they felt he should do. In doing so, they could have an official meeting, so everything is documented and backed up by the entire township board on paper.
He also asked about past minutes that were turned into the Commission, but they quickly informed them that every township fails to turn anything into the Commission. He then asked if that was supposed to be happening to which the Commission informed him that was correct, but as mentioned before, townships just don’t. Lastly, he asked about the Audit that was done and wondered what they thought. After conversation over that, they reminded him that Townships are their own governing body.
Jami Page, the Bates County Clerk, came in to discuss Resolution No. 26-001 involving Senate Bill 3. She revised the property tax section of the resolution and added a date.
John made a motion to add the date to the resolution. Trent seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. No opposition.
Jami then asked that the Commission consider ceasing the application process for the Seniors that had already applied the previous year. She informed them the Cass County has it that way and encouraged them to reach out and ask them questions on how things would work moving forward. She expressed that this was just something she wanted them to consider and did not expect an answer yet.
She also clarified that her office will not be the one to take the applications for Senate Bill 3.
Jim found a statute that stated individuals cannot apply for Senate Bill 190 and Senate Bill 3, they can only do one or the other. The Commissioners and Jami then discussed the better choice being Senate Bill 190 for anyone 62 or older to completely freeze their property tax instead of applying for Senate Bill 3 and having a 5% cap instead of 0%. While Senate Bill 3 is for all ages, they feel as though the office that is distributing the applications needs to encourage anyone 62 years of age or older to apply or reapply for Senate Bill 190 and educate them on why that’s best for them.
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