Pembina County, ND - County News
County News
Soils Committee Minutes - September 22, 2023
PEMBINA
Soils Committee
September 22, 2023 – 8:15 am
Soils Committee Minutes:
A regular meeting of the Pembina County Soils Committee was held on September 22, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the Farmer’s Room of the Pembina County Courthouse. Members Present: Camburn Shephard, Bill Gunderson, Robert Vivatson, Brad Schuster, Joel Smith, Alternates: Curtis Christenson, Nick Heuchert, via phone. Others Present: Tax Director, Lisa Keney, Deputy Tax Director/GIS, Lisa Wieler, Assessor, Zelda Hartje
Meeting was called to order by Soils Committee Chairman, Robert Vivatson at 8:19 a.m.
Tax Director, Lisa Keney mentioned that a nd.gov email would cost the county approximately $1,474.00/year. Upon discussion it was determined that nd.gov emails are not necessary for the soils committee members.
Motion was made by Mr. Shephard and seconded by Mr. Schuster to approve the meeting minutes from September 18, 2023. All voting in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held on modifiers. Tax Director, Lisa Keney mentioned that modifiers will only be applied to cropland acres. It was also mentioned that if acres were already taken out in waste, those acres will be added back in as cropland and the discount will be applied from there.
Discussion was held on Sidwell. Mr. Shephard mentioned the importance of Sidwell. Ms. Keney reviewed the cost and the capabilities of the program. Mr. Christenson asked if it would eliminate some of the labor. Ms. Keney explained that Sidwell is just for Ag and Van Guard is for Residential and Commercial which is totally separate and will take extra “man power” to maintain both programs along with all the other duties in the office.
Discussion was held on what percentages should be applied to the following modifiers: saline, rocks, and water. Ms. Keney mentioned that this starts at the Township level and the Assessor brings any changes to the Tax Equalization Office. Mr. Shephard requested a 40% reduction for saline off the PI. Discussion was held. Mr. Shephard made a motion to rescind his previous motion as the percentage is taken off the value not the PI. Mr. Shephard made a motion for a 40% reduction in saline with waste acres being added back in as cropland and removed from the value. Ms. Keney mentioned a parcel must be 3 contiguous acres to qualify for a reduction. Seconded by Mr. Smith. All voting in favor, motion carried.
Motion was made by Mr. Schuster requesting a 20% reduction in flooding. Discussion was held. Ms. Keney mentioned that 50% of the parcel must be flooded, owner must submit 3 photos from May 10 or after, and include an aerial map for each parcel, along with the date the photo was taken outlining the flooded area. Seconded by Mr. Gunderson. All voting in favor, motion carried.
Motion was made by Mr. Schuster and seconded by Mr. Shephard to apply a 20% reduction for rocks on cropland acres. Ms. Keney mentioned that it must be 3 contiguous acres to qualify for the reduction. Owner must submit 3 photos from the last 2 years outlining the rocky areas along with the dates the photos were taken. Discussion was held. All voting in favor, motion carried.
Mr. Shephard made a motion to approve the guidelines that were set forth by the Soils Committee and Tax Director, Lisa Keney. Seconded by Mr. Schuster. All voting in favor, motion carried.
The next meeting will be decided upon at a later date and held in the Farmer’s Room of the Pembina County Courthouse pending the availability of the Farmer’s Room.
Tax Director, Ms. Keney, will type up the guidelines and email to everyone in attendance by Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
Motion was made by Mr. Shephard and seconded by Mr. Smith to adjourn the meeting. All voting in favor, motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:01 a.m.
