BC 1998 06 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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602 In addition to the foregoing, the proposed 1999 Schedule of Values, if applied to Philip Morris's manufacturing property, will produce an assessed value far in excess of what Philip Morris contends to be the plant's true value and also far in excess of values previously determined by the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. The former Assessor of Cabarrus County, in submitting the proposed Schedule of Values to the County Commission, clearly ignored the prior decisions of the Property Tax Commission. For the foregoing and other reasons, Philip Morris respectfully objects to the adoption by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners of the proposed 1999 Schedule of Values as it affects the real property of Philip Morris located in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Sincerely yours, /s/ Charles B. Neely, Jr. Charles B. Neely, Jr. /s/ Nancy S. Rendleman Nancy S. Rendlemen cc: Charles Meeker, Esq. June 4, 1998 VIA FAX Mr. John Patterson Cabarrus County Tax Administrator's Office Cabarrus County Courthouse Post Office Box 707 Concord, North Carolina 28026-0704 RE: 1999 Schedule of Values Dear John: Thanks for your assistance in forwarding a copy of the proposed 1999 schedule of values. I enclose a copy of a letter that we received this morning from the attorneys for Philip Morris U.S.A. This letter was addressed to your Board of Commissioners. It may be helpful to remind the Board that for the 1994 real property case, the Property Tax Commission found a replacement cost new for the cigarette plant of $153.00 per square foot. The 1994 case was based on values as of 1991. As you well know, there was a revaluation in 1995 as well as the new schedule of values that is being considered for 1999. The other point that the Commissioners should be aware of is that this whole matter is in litigation and that the final values for the plant will be decided by the Property Tax Commission. If we can be of assistance in providing further information and/or drafting a response for the Commissioner's consideration, please let me know. With best wishes, Sincerely, /s/ Charles C. Meeker Charles C. Meeker CCM:act Enclosure cc: Frank Clifton (via fax w/encl.) Fletcher Hartsell, Jr., Esq. (via fax w/encl.) Mr. Hartsell reminded the Board of the pending litigation concerning the Philip Morris tax issue. Mr. Patterson responded to questions from Board members regarding the establishment of a "base rate" for facilities. Using the Charlotte Motor Speedway as an example, Mr. Patterson discussed the increase in base rates from 1995 to 1999. He also stated for the record the Tax Department sent a copy of the manual for the 1999 Schedule of Values to the County's attorneys who then forwarded that manual to Philip Morris. There being no one present who wished to address the Board regarding the proposed Schedule of Values, Chairman Casper closed the public hearing at 6:15 P.M. Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carpenter, seconded by Chairman Casper and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Ms. Martha Kiker as the Township 10/11 member on the Cabarrus County Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending on January 31, 2001. Ms. Kiker will fill the position previously held by Mr. Benjamin Lane.