County approves countywide revitalization program
Staff reporter
Following public comments related to zoning and public perception of Marion County, Marion County Commission approved a countywide neighborhood revitalization program Tuesday and appointed a committee to organize the program.
Some community leaders attended the session to air concerns about allowing tax rebates for new structures within the entire county. Others attended to support the concept.
A previous meeting had been organized by commissioner Howard Collett with Marion County Economic Development Council members and community leaders. Since that meeting, Collett wanted discussion at the commission meeting.
For those who qualify, property owners who build a new structure or improve an existing structure could be eligible to receive a rebate on their property taxes of up to 90 percent over a period of time, up to 10 years.
Collett said he had conducted research of other counties that have implemented the revitalization program.
"We're (Marion County) different than some because we have some programs already in place (in some cities)," Collett said. He said those counties he contacted reported the program to be a success because there was economic activity as a result of the program.
"Clay County has experienced $11 million in construction and anticipate another $6 million in 2005," Collett said.
Collett said cities that already have a program in place may include the rest of their cities that are not included in the plan.
"The rebates varied from county to county," Collett said, citing 90 percent for five years, 50 percent for five years, and 60 to 75 percent for five years.
Hillsboro city administrator Steve Garrett quoted the state statute regarding the requirements.
KSA 12-17,114 states designated areas need to meet one of the following requirements: dilapidated or deteriorated structures, or buildings that should be preserved because of age, history, architecture, or significance.
"I'm not sure if the entire county from border-to-border covers those specified uses," Garrett said. "I would be uncomfortable in doing something that doesn't follow the statute."
He added it was important to properly support state statutes as a gesture of supporting the legislators.
Collett said there are farm buildings that do meet the criteria.
Garrett reiterated development should be limited to those areas that meet that criteria.
David Mayfield, Marion city administrator, said he wouldn't be opposed to setting a limit on funds.
"For industrial growth, maybe look at a sliding scale for those providing benefits to the community," Mayfield said.
Collett said Hillsboro mayor Delores Dalke had suggested a rebate up to a $100,000 property value.
Commission chairman Leroy Wetta said maybe they should consider it the other way.
"Maybe there should be a minimum of a $100,000 investment before a rebate would be allowed," Wetta said.
Dalke said she has observed people building homes in rural areas, without the tax rebate incentive, and was concerned about new homes being off the tax roll.
"You'd have to declare the entire county as 'blighted'," Dalke said. "Who wants to move to a blighted area?"
Dalke continued she was concerned about public perception of the county's image. She also said she was concerned about implementing a rebate program when it's not needed.
"Businesses will get other tax breaks," Dalke said. "We need to bring in the jobs first. The people will follow."
Collett said the county's law enforcement budget has increased 150 percent in the past 10 years.
"How are we going to support county services without an increase in the tax base?" Collett asked. He said the mill levy was high for a county the size of Marion County.
Wetta asked if zoning regulation changes already allowed five-acre tracts to encourage development, why does the county need to give tax revenue away?
Incoming county commissioner Dan Holub said it was needed.
"We're competing against neighboring counties with lower taxes," Holub said. "We just need some guidelines. We can always adjust it as needed."
Collett agreed and said areas that don't want to be included don't have to be.
County attorney Susan Robson said Marion County is a bedroom community to Wichita and other communities. She said these options would attract more people and benefit the communities, schools, and county as a whole.
Max Hayen of Marion said he travels around the state.
"To be blunt and honest, we are a blighted area," Hayen said. "We're surrounded by growth. Zoning regulations the past 10 years have restricted growth."
Hayen continued that development in agricultural areas may encourage new growth but was concerned about focusing only on agricultural.
"We'd better get on the stick and get something going," Hayen said.
Charles Kannady of Marion said people building new homes aren't looking for a tax break.
"It should be used for existing structures," Kannady said. "Home owners don't want to make improvements because their taxes will increase."
Collett said people may not build only to receive the tax rebate but the added incentive would help promote development.
Nick Nickelson of Marion said he wasn't sure where the term "blighted" comes from.
Nickelson said Pawnee County and four incorporated cities within Pawnee County adopted a countywide program. The state provided funds for expansion of the prison located in the county.
Ricky Roberts, Marion County extension agent, said the program wouldn't be a "cure-all but another tool."
The commission unanimously agreed to proceed according to statute and implement a countywide plan.
Holub was asked to be the chairman of a committee to organize the plan. The committee will include the county attorney, treasurer, appraiser, commissioner Bob Hein, and civic leaders.
Holub will present a list of committee members at the next commission meeting (Monday).
