County could lose $275,000 in equipment tax revenue years ago
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission was informed Monday, through a memo from county appraiser Cindy Magill, of the estimated lost tax revenue due to tax exemptions for equipment and machinery.
Actual lost revenue is estimated at $275,721. Appraised value will decrease by approximately $735,257.
Supposedly, counties will receive a percentage of the lost revenue during the first five years — 90 percent for year one, 70 percent for the second year, 50 percent for the third year, 30 percent for the fourth year, and 10 percent for the fifth year.
The exemption was adopted by state legislature and will go in effect July 1.
"This is a conservative estimate because this is going to encourage business owners to purchase new equipment and replace old," said Magill.
In other business:
— Marion Emergency Services received a perfect score following an annual inspection.
An inspection was conducted by state officials of the county's ambulances, duty rosters, manuals, run reports, equipment lists, quality improvement process, and other documentation.
In the written report, the inspector complimented the department and noted the management team works well together, paper work was completed, units were clean, well-organized, and fully stocked.
— The commission approved a payment plan for students enrolled in an upcoming county EMT class.
Judy Creamer of Florence asked the commission to approve a payment plan for the $400 enrollment fee.
The commission approved the request with the understanding that students will be required to pay the full amount, regardless if the student completes the class and passes the required exams to become certified.
A contract will be drawn by the county for students to sign.
— Cooperative Grain and Supply of Hillsboro had the low bid for transport fuel. For 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel, the average cost per gallon was $2.41. Unleaded fuel was $2.58 per gallon for 2,000 gallons for a total of $19,728. Cardie Oil Company of Tampa also presented a bid of $19,748 for the same amount of fuel.
— A consulting contract with Jack Chappelle for $9,500 was approved. The one-year contract with the consultant will assist the county in final closure of the county's former landfill.
— A solid waste resolution was approved which will reduce the rates for solid waste disposal for those residents of not-for-profit, public housing authorities.
— A hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 6 at Marion Senior Center to hear public comment regarding proposed changes to the county's comprehensive plan.
— County communications director Michele Abbott-Becker requested and received a 20-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Friday at the courthouse. There will be no meeting Monday.
