Dept. of Revenue Responds to Sales Use & Tax Audit Concerns

Dept of Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans presents info
on tax reform to spark a discussion from local business owners
 and managers.  Also presented was the Dept. of Revenue's response
 to a June meeting where OACCT members shared
concerns regarding Sales Use & Tax Audits.

In June this year, the Owatonna Chamber was the first chamber in the state to host a forum with the MN Dept. of Revenue and Commissioner Frans regarding sales use and tax audits.

Members shared concerns like:

• clarity of the sales and use tax laws and many businesses are surprised with tax burdens they were not previously aware of in spite of diligent efforts to understand and comply with the regulations

• educate first with new tax law; fine after diligent efforts have not been met

• audits consume valuable time, money and energy of our small businesses 

• auditors’ interpretation of the tax laws seem to deviate from the best and generally accepted practices in the tax code

Last week on November 28th, Commissioner Frans and his team were back to share their response to these concerns. Link here for their answers.  Commissioner Frans also lead a tax reform discussion and the overall theme was to simplify tax laws to make it easier for businesses to file.

County Board Notes-Nov. 27, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

County's home health care received an award from Medicare/Medicade that recognizes the top 20% of agencies based on a consumer/client (third party) survey.

Owatonna Partners for Economic Development (OPED) members Brad Meier and Troy Klecker, along with Denny Meillier, asked the commissioners to allow a full access intersection at Landmark Dr. Economic development projects would benefit and start if this intersection existed   County Engineer Anita Benson reported  that full access intersections have 32 ways for vehicle crashes versus a right-in-right-out that has 4 ways; a traffic study would recommend against this type of intersection as it has in past years. The commissioners could have Anita review the OPED proposal alongside the county policies. No formal request has been made of the county at this time (following their permit process); the topic was timely with the county budget discussion.

Other items to be discussed were the 2013 budget review and the administrator's report.    

County Board Notes-Nov. 13, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

County Commissioners reviewed the County's Emergency Plan in the first-of-its kind web platform.  The website based plan allows access to the detailed plan (via username and password) and eliminates the impractical guide book and CD ROM   Emergency Manager Mike Johnson presented the site including the Everbridge notification system, operations plan and communications plan.

City Council Notes-Nov. 5, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

1)  The first item was regarding the state theater demolition.  The costs were reviewed and approved.

2) The second item on the docket was a discussion over the charter franchise renewal.  The city administrator went over a very thorough review of the public hearings that were held regarding the public's concerns over charter.
She stated that the majority of the feedback was over concern for increased competition to moderate price as well as better service regarding our local cable.  There was also discussion about possible upgrades to counsel
chambers in order to attain better coverage of meetings.  It appears that should the franchise renewal occur, the term will be somewhere between 5 and 10 years.  All of the information regarding the charter decision will be placed
on the city web site and the public is able to read or make comments that will be taken under advisement before the next meeting.  The vote on whether to renew charter's franchise will occur at the November 20th, 2012 meeting.

3)  The third item discussed had to do with the mowing of nuisance weeds and grass.  Apparently there are a number of individuals who have not paid for the cost of nuisance weed removal and the proposal was to place the unpaid
portion on these individual's property taxes.  Motion approved.

4)  There was a motion and approval of seven judges her precinct this year for the election due to high potential voter turnout.

5)  There was a motion and approval to allow a 30 minute parking on the North side of East Broadway between Elm and Grove on election day in 2012; as well as in the future.
There was also discussion to make sure that Federated was notified 24 hours prior to each election.

6) There was a motion and approval for a permanent easement to allow the Cashman family to build a berm on city property near the airport.
The purpose of the berm would be to mitigate future flood issues and has no effect on any tangible cost or liability for the city of Owatonna.

7)  The labor agreement with MPEA (Minnesota public employees Association) was approved.

8) No Public Comments.  A few Council comments promoting voting on Tuesday.  Meeting adjourned.

Complete Hwy. 14

Completing the four-lane expansion of Highway 14 between Owatonna and Dodge Center is critical to our region’s economic success.  Not only does this dangerous stretch of road have a fatality rate nearly double the statewide average, but traffic volumes are expected to more than double by 2030.  Owatonna’s population and economy are growing, but employees’ ability to get to work and businesses’ ability to move their products and provide their services are being hampered by this insufficient two-lane road.

Four-lane expansion is needed to position Highway 14 for the future.  Right now, MnDOT is developing its 20-year state highway investment plan, which will establish the highway projects that will be funded in the next two decades.  We must ensure that Highway 14 is included in plan, or we risk the loss of additional lives and economic opportunity.   Please sign up here to receive updates on Highway 14 and learn about ways you can help get this project done!

http://ushighway14.com/sign-up-to-support-highway-14/

Council Notes: Oct. 16, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.



Public Hearing on 2012 Sewer and Street projects.  The interest rate will be lowered from 7% to around 3 ½% for outstanding balances.  The new interest rate will be 2% higher than the City’s cost of funds.  The City has been charging 7% interest on outstanding assessments but their cost of funds has been much lower. This change will more accurately reflect interest costs.

Ken Beck was recognized as Building Official.  Mr. Beck was in this position as temporary after the previous building official resigned.  Council and Mayor reported several positive comments they have received regarding building inspection department.

Second Reading on Ordinance 9-12, which allows OPU to be able to collect past due utility bills with property taxes.

$550,102 expenditures presented for approval, including $35,000 to Front Door realty for Hospital Sale Realty Fee.

Park & Rec budget meeting
City is looking to recover $640,000 for damaged trees at Brooktree Golf
Capital Improvement for 2013
Building Maintenance
Amount Requested  $102,000
Amount Recommended   $12,000 for Merrill Hall windows
Looking ahead for 2014 they are budgeting 1.1 million for the roof at City Hall

Park & Rec CIP
Amount Requested  $847,200
Amount Recommended  $43,000 (30k for Tennis Center, 10k Play Equipment, 3k Senior Place doors)

County Board Notes-Oct. 23, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

Human Service expenses for the month was $287,507.

SE MN Human Service Delivery Authority assessment is $25,453 this amount will be matched by the Bush Foundation.  This is the collaboration between counties to provide more streamline, more efficient services between counties in the area of human services.

Set a public hearing for the Bixby Sewer District fees for resident.  Administrator Shea stated it is not required by law but felt it was a good faith effort to inform residents what fees they will be charged.

Sheriff Lon Theile reported the capital improvements to the Law Enforcement Center in the areas of evident room and the radio system, new “Mug shot” inmate reporting system. He also reported finalizing the contract with the city of Medford for patrol services, the contract is 3 ½ % higher than the last contract.  The contract for Ellendale patrol services will be in place by the November County Board Meeting.  Both contracts need to be signed by county administrator, board chair and Sheriff.

Amended contract with Oak Glen Wind Farm.  Most of work is completed and has no outstanding deficiencies.