Laserfiche WebLink
documents, taxes are the responsibility of the lessee. Although the County did not collect <br />the sales tax, it was Mr. Turner's obligation to pay it. He explained that this was the first <br />experience the County had with a commercial lease. The original lease was with Dritenbas <br />who sold the business to Perfection Trusses. <br />Acting County Attorney Terrence P. O'Brien stressed that the way the lease reads, the <br />lessee shall pay all taxes. <br />Chairman Adams pointed out that Mr. Turner is having to pay this large sum to the <br />State, he is not denying that he owes it, but is asking the Board for some relief. <br />Mr. Turner cited Section 212.07 F. S.S. and thought he did not have to pay these taxes <br />since the County had the obligation to collect them and remit them to the State. He had <br />spoken with Mr. Vitunac before his resignation and had also met with Finance Director Ed <br />Fry and Solid Waste Disposal District Manager Ron Brooks when he first heard from the <br />State. <br />In responding to Vice Chairman Ginn's inquiry, Acting County Attorney O'Brien <br />advised that Mr. Turner has the obligation to pay and the County has the obligation to collect <br />and we both parties have failed to meet those obligations. <br />Mr. Turner stated he had been told the County was tax exempt. <br />Chairman Adams felt there was a need to come to a settlement or let the matter work <br />its way through the court system. She felt both parties were at fault and that the County <br />needed to look at the leases very closely. She asked the Board how they wanted to proceed. <br />Assistant Administrator Baird recounted the history of this lease, explained the intent <br />of the Statute and conceded there might have been some verbal misrepresentation. <br />Administrator Chandler counseled that both parties had a responsibility and he <br />thought the County might be able to work with the State on reduction of the penalty and <br />interest charges. He suggested that the County could also work with Mr. Turner on the time <br />March 7, 2000 <br />GR <br />BOOK <br />