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BwK W � fil, 1 �*) <br />as to whether an application submitted <br />pursuant to Sec. 196.195, F.S., is <br />confidential and abide by the decision of the <br />Department of Revenue, as recommended by <br />staff. (Clerk's Note: See amended motion <br />below.) <br />Attorney Robert Jackson, representing Property Appraiser <br />Nolte, reminded everyone that Mr. Nolte had to follow two Statutes <br />and an Administrative Code which pronounce all returns <br />confidential. The Attorney General had recommended that the DOR <br />develop a rule and the DOR is working on it. Mr. Nolte did not <br />object to writing the Attorney General or the DOR, and would comply <br />with the law. <br />Al Valardi of Sebastian expressed concern about a certain <br />property in Roseland where the residents worked, were not disabled <br />nor elderly, and did not pay taxes. The group continues to buy <br />more property. He had no objection that they lived in a "cult <br />fashion"; however, he felt they were not paying their fair share of <br />local taxes. He offered that he and other interested citizens were <br />willing to contribute financially for attorney's fees for a <br />declaratory judgment. <br />Mr. Zorc stated he had no vendetta, nor did he wish to isolate <br />one case, but believed that public records should be open for all <br />non-profit organizations. From one particular group there might be <br />as much as a $300,000 surplus annually from the income derived from <br />their property. He said that Florida Statutes provide that you can <br />find out where that money goes and that's what he wanted to know. <br />He wanted all records opened. He felt that going to the DOR was a <br />stalling tactic. He reiterated that someone at DOR had suggested <br />to him that a declaratory judgment was best. He couldn't <br />understand why it was not being recommended by the County Attorney <br />and asked consideration of that. <br />Chairman Tippin did not disagree, but was fearful of "witch <br />hunts". Although it seemed simple, he was concerned about setting <br />a precedent they might regret and, therefore, wished to proceed <br />orderly and cautiously. <br />Commissioner Adams asked Attorney O'Brien to estimate the <br />amount of time it might take the DOR to respond. Attorney O'Brien <br />gave no estimate, but predicted they would say the question was <br />under study and advisement to drafting a rule. In fact, Mr. Nolte <br />has stated it has been that way for two years. <br />26 <br />November 15, 1994 <br />