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BOOK 3 <br />Commissioner Macht maintained that the issue is whether the <br />public has a right to review the tax exemption -related documents. <br />l He saw nothing wrong with making an inquiry on the law by filing <br />for a declaratory judgment. He felt that the Board was obligated <br />to investigate this issue. <br />Commissioner Bird did not --agree, and wanted to follow the - <br />advice of the County Attorney, that we not get into a lawsuit with <br />one of our constitutional officers who is upholding the law. <br />Mr. Zorc clarified that he is not suggesting a court battle, <br />merely an interpretation of existing law. He reiterated Mr. <br />Wilson's comment that it is better for the Commission to ask for a <br />declaratory judgment than an individual to do so. <br />Chairman Tippin was concerned because there must be limits. _. <br />We do not want to investigate all religious groups. He thought the <br />important thing is to be sure the law is followed. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Macht, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Adams, to seek a declaratory judgment <br />regarding the public's right to view documents filed <br />by persons asking for an exemption from ad valorem <br />taxes. <br />Under discussion, Attorney Vitunac suggested that the Board <br />authorize him to prepare a formal legal opinion, which the Board <br />could consider in making a decision whether to file for a <br />declaratory judgment. <br />Discussion ensued regarding the Board's procedural options. <br />COMMISSIONER MACHT AMENDED HIS MOTION to authorize <br />staff to present a report on the validity of Mr. <br />Zorc's claim. <br />THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. <br />It was voted on and carried unanimously. <br />PUBLIC DISCUSSION - PIPER AIRLINES BANKRUPTCY <br />Attorney Paul Singerman, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Piper <br />Aircraft's lead bankruptcy counsel, pointed out that Piper's <br />President and Chief Operating Officer Charles Suma was present in <br />the audience, along with other interested parties. He reported the - <br />activity leading up-. to the. -proposed settlement agreement. He <br />announced that Piper has reached a settlement with the tax <br />certificate holders, conditioned upon approval of the Board. Mr. <br />40 <br />November 1, 1994 <br />