Corn Plus contesting tax values
The county’s attorney, Winnebago council members and their attorney met behind closed doors to discuss pending tax litigation with ethanol producer Corn Plus.
Faribault County Attorney Brian Roverud attended Tuesday night’s meeting and for nearly 30 minutes briefed city officials on the case.
Roverud says no trial date has been set, but a pre-trial hearing will be held soon.
“As in all cases, we are working toward pursuing a settlement,” he says.
Corn Plus filed a petition with the Minnesota State Tax Court contesting assessed valuations for 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Records at the county assessor’s office show the nearly 37 acres where the main facility is located, had a valuation of $3.179 million in 2007, and $3.218 million for 2008 and $2009.
Despite filing a tax appeal, the company paid taxes of $102,804 for 2007 and $105,804 in 2008.
The projected taxes for 2010 are $107,640.
If there is a trial, Roverud says a tax judge will be appointed to hear the case in Faribault County.
City Attorney Douglas Johanson says the county and city will continue negotiations and any developments will be presented at the March meeting.
To read more of this story, see this week’s Register.