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ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously approved <br />James Wellman of XL Vision, Inc. to replace Dudley <br />Gordon as Industrial Representative, and approved <br />Michael Vanatta for the At Large spot of the <br />Economic Development Council, as recommended by <br />Commissioner Eggert. <br />PIPER AIRCRAFT DISCUSSION <br />Property Appraiser David Nolte advised the Board that the <br />County has an interest in Piper Aircraft's bankruptcy action <br />because Piper owes over $3,000,000 in back taxes and penalties. <br />Appraiser Nolte advised that the County has not budgeted funds to <br />hire a bankruptcy attorney. The bankruptcy judge has the ability <br />to set aside all property taxes. The bankruptcy judge has awarded <br />$72,500 to an auction house to appraise Piper's property, and while <br />he may go to the hearing and demonstrate that the taxes are fair, <br />the County should be represented by the best bankruptcy attorney <br />available. Appraiser Nolte requested funds from the County to pay <br />the cost of a bankruptcy attorney. Tax certificates were sold and, <br />if the taxes are set aside, the County will have to make refunds to <br />the certificate holders. <br />Commissioner Bird suggested that County Attorney Charles <br />Vitunac meet with the officials involved and come back to the Board <br />with a recommendation. <br />Attorney Vitunac advised that he has met with the parties and <br />it is his opinion that the real party -in -interest is the Tax <br />Collector, with the County and School Board as beneficiaries. If <br />the taxes are set aside, the County will have to pay a refund to <br />the certificate holders. The question is whether the Board feels <br />that the present legal representation is not sufficient. If not, <br />we would be paying two attorneys. He suggested that discussion be <br />postponed for one week, and Commissioner Macht agreed that a <br />postponement would be appropriate to allow sufficient time to <br />research the bankruptcy matter before bringing it back to the <br />Board. <br />Appraiser Nolte reminded the Board that a limited time frame <br />exists. His staff is researching the cost and will have some <br />numbers for the Board by next week, but there may be a conflict in <br />the paperwork in that the County does not tax Piper Aircraft but <br />September 20, 1994 15 <br />BOOK 93 PAA06 <br />