The County Board of Equalization met at 9:30 a.m. at the Brule County Courthouse. Members present: James Nesladek, Rich Rasmussen, Brad Carson, Greg Mairose and Gary Dozark. Also present: Director of Equalization, Clint Soulek, and Janet Petrak, Central Dakota Times.

OATHS OF OFFICE

FREEZE THE ASSESSMENT VALUES FOR ELDERLY

The Board reviewed the list of people that applied for a tax freeze on their assessment values. Pursuant to SDCL 10-6A-6, the County Treasurer determines their eligibility by residency, income and age. Commissioner Rasmussen moved and Commissioner Carson seconded to approve the list of eligible property owners to allow the tax freeze on their assessment values. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to SDCL 10-4-15.1, the Board reviewed the list of all property for which tax-exempt status is claimed. Commissioner Mairose moved and Commissioner Dozark seconded to approve the exempt property on the list from the Assessor’s office taken from the applications claiming the exempt status. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Commissioner Carson moved and Commissioner Rasmussen seconded to reduce the values on all properties qualifying for Veteran Exemption in Brule County. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

DISCRETIONARY TAX FORMULA, ABSTRACT/GROWTH REPORTS & COUNTY AVERAGES

The Board reviewed the properties that qualify for county discretionary tax formula for 2019. They also reviewed the county averages, recap of values and growth report.

LOCAL BOARD OF EQUALIZATION FOR GRANDVIEW TWP

The Board of Equalization for unorganized Grandview Township was held between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 9:52 a.m. No one appeared.

Board adjourned as the Local Board of Equalization at 9:52 a.m. and returned to County Board of Equalization.

States Attorney Theresa Maule asked the Commissioners for a letter of support to apply for a STOP “P” (prosecution) Grant through the Department of Public Safety. The Grant can be used for salaries, fringe benefits, supplies, equipment, court ordered evaluations, court reporting, witness fees, etc. additional staff to help prosecute large cases. Commissioner Carson moved and Commissioner Dozark seconded to sign the letter of support for the States Attorney. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Two quotes were received for lawn care at the Courthouse, Sheriff’s Office and Ag Building. Commissioner Carson moved and Commissioner Mairose seconded to table the quotes until more information could be obtained. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Commissioner Mairose moved and Commissioner Dozark seconded to enter executive session to discuss legal issues at 10:27 am. Executive session declared over at 10:40 am. No action taken.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Carson moved and Commissioner Rasmussen seconded to adjourn the Board of Equalization at 10:48 a.m. All members voted aye. Motion carried.