Topic: Albert Lea Inn charged with failure to pay tax
started by: minnow
Posted by minnow on Jan. 13 2009,5:08 am
Albert Lea Inn charged with failure to pay taxAudit says motel owes $7,600 to city
By Sarah Stultz | Albert Lea Tribune
Published Monday, January 12, 2009
Blue Dragon Properties, the owner of the Albert Lea Inn, was charged in Freeborn County District Court last week with seven taxation violations, after allegedly failing to pay lodging taxes required by city ordinance.
An audit says the company now owes $7,600 to the city.
According to court papers, at the beginning of January of 1996 the city of Albert Lea imposed a tax of 3 percent on the rent charged by hotel and motel operators for providing lodging to any person.
“The tax is to be stated and charged separately and to be collected by the operator from the lodger,” the documents state.
An operator is classified as who provides lodging or an employee or agent of that person. A person “is defined as any individual, corporation, partnership, association, estate, receiver, trustee, executor, administrator, assignee, syndicate or any other combination or individuals,” the papers state.
According to Albert Lea City Code 58-30, the city’s finance director can examine the books and records of any operator to verify the accuracy of any return made or the find out what the tax should be if no return was made.
On Sept. 23, 2008, Finance Director Rhonda Moen did just that as she began an audit of the record of Albert Lea Inn, court papers state. Albert Lea Inn is at 2301 E. Main St. in Albert Lea. The audit covered December 2007 through August of 2008.
Documents state Moen concluded there had been an “honest mistake” for the month of December 2007, but that the lodging tax had not been paid for the months of February, May, July and August of 2008. In March, the lodging tax return reported $10,000 less income than the actual lodging revenue received by the hotel, the papers state; in April the return reported $5,000 less revenue than actual lodging revenue received; and in June the report showed about $6,200 less revenue than actual lodging revenue received.
At the end of the audit it concluded that almost $6,100 in lodging tax from the Albert Lea Inn was due plus interest and penalties for a total of about $7,600 as of Oct. 14, 2008, documents state. Moen sent a letter to the hotel that day to show the findings.
It stated, “Any tax due computed on the basis of the examination shall be paid to the city within 10 days after receipt of this notice,” according to court papers. The letter also noted there were misdemeanor criminal penalties for making incomplete, false or fraudulent returns.
As of Jan. 2, balances had not been paid for the balances from February through August 2008.
Albert Lea Police Department Detective Deb Flatness interviewed the Albert Lea Inn manager and the head of Blue Dragon Properties.
The head of Blue Dragon Properties, 33-year-old Tonya Navarro, told the detective there should be no discrepancy.
“She stated that she was aware of the problem, and that (the manager) took care of bills and accounts receivable,” the papers stated.
She “admitted that the lodging tax was due, but the money was not there to pay it.”
Each of the taxation violation charges carries with it a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The charges came out just a few weeks after Albert Lea City Council was required to revoke the on-sale liquor license for Blue Dragon Properties. The city received notice of license revocation from the state Department of Revenue for failure to pay state sales tax. The revocation occurred on Jan. 2.
The state did not give the council the option of whether to revoke it, just whether to do it right away or to wait a week and a half until Jan. 2. The council voted to revoke it on Jan. 2 if the state did not receive the full payment of the delinquent tax money by that time.
At the council meeting where this action was taken, Blue Dragon Properties owner Tonya Navarro said she was able to get the $14,000 in funds that day that were needed to pay off the sales tax debt.
Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen said as of Thursday the city has not received any notification from the state that the sales tax issue has been resolved.
Thus, the on-sale liquor license is still revoked, and the police are checking on the establishment regularly, she said.
Oh boy, isn't that wonderful! Moen and the city really take it to this business while her and her husband skate on their far greater obligation to the city!
Then the cops come in to add criminal charges as well. To add insult to injury.
Posted by medic on Jan. 13 2009,10:23 am
Minnow.... Dare I say I agree with you on this!
Posted by MADDOG on Jan. 13 2009,11:11 am
dittoLandlords next?
Posted by gljoefan on Jan. 14 2009,8:31 am
I don't like either. But I hope some of you are not implying that because of Tiger Hills they should not enforce the tax code? I can only imagine the outcry by some here if they had done that.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,9:36 am
If Moen doesn't have pay her obligation to the city, why should anyone else have too? Either everyone pays their obligation or no one should. What shouldn't happen is---> Moen gets off from paying any penalties or original obligations, yet still gets to keep all future profit. Then has the stones to charge other businesses fines and criminal charges.What kind of sick individual does it take to be such a blatant hypocrite? I could never do such a thing and neither could you.
Posted by Old Cracker on Jan. 14 2009,9:59 am
(minnow @ Jan. 14 2009,9:36 am)
QUOTE
If Moen doesn't have pay her obligation to the city, why should anyone else have too? Either everyone pays their obligation or no one should. What shouldn't happen is---> Moen gets off from paying any penalties or original obligations, yet still gets to keep all future profit.
Minnow.... Dare I say I too agree with you on this 100%!
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 14 2009,10:12 am
So should the three major hotel companies in this town stop paying the occupancy tax collected from hotel guests to pay for the Convention and Visitors Bureau?Should they stop paying their property taxes as well to the city, county and school district?
Should they stop paying the state sales tax collected from the hotel guests?
Should they not pay the withholding tax on payroll withheld from employee checks and/or the employer contribution?
Should they stop paying their mortgage?
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,10:26 am
^Don't be such a drama queen. 
This business should get the same consideration Moen got, at the very least. NO criminal charges, fines and penalties and a reasonable payment plan.
These are taxes above and beyond all other taxes, which is inherently unfair to begin with.
Posted by Common Citizen on Jan. 14 2009,10:51 am
I agree with Minnow...any who...it will probably all be swept under the rug once Timothy "the Genius" Geithner gets approved as the next Treasury Dept. head by the donks....won't it?
< Tax problems may plague Obama's treasury pick >
QUOTE
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Capitol Hill grilling is likely for Timothy Geithner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick to head the Treasury Department, after public revelations he failed to pay $34,000 in taxes several years ago.
Senate Democrats are pressing to schedule a quick confirmation hearing for Geithner on Friday, hoping to tee up swift approval of his nomination on Inauguration Day. But newly released information about the tax goofs by Geithner, regarded as a brilliant financial markets specialist well-positioned to deal with the nation's considerable economic problems, could complicate the process.
Senate Democrats are pressing to schedule a quick confirmation hearing for Geithner on Friday, hoping to tee up swift approval of his nomination on Inauguration Day. But newly released information about the tax goofs by Geithner, regarded as a brilliant financial markets specialist well-positioned to deal with the nation's considerable economic problems, could complicate the process.
Hey, if the boss at the IRS can do it, why can't we?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 14 2009,10:58 am
(scorenix @ Jan. 14 2009,10:12 am)
QUOTE
So should the three major hotel companies in this town stop paying the occupancy tax collected from hotel guests to pay for the Convention and Visitors Bureau?
How many events a year conventions and so on are the results of the effort of the convention and visitors bureau?
Posted by canvasback on Jan. 14 2009,12:45 pm
...that would be none! The Rendezvous does it's own thing successfully. Eddie Cochran Weekend, same thing. Look outside of this area and you have a hard time finding Albert Lea promoted anywhere...compared to other cities of comparable size. What do they do exactly?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 14 2009,1:25 pm
Who does the convention and visitor bureau report too?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 14 2009,1:31 pm
< Convention Bureau Web Site >I would like to know how it decided which businesses are listed here. I am guessing you must be a member of the chamber.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 14 2009,1:42 pm
At least Austin claims to have a mission....QUOTE
What is the Austin Convention & Visitor Bureau?
The mission of the ACVB is as follows: "The Convention and Visitors Bureau is organized as a 501(6) Non-Profit corporation operating for the purpose of attracting overnight visitors and conventions to the community and therefore advancing the economic impact such visitors and conventions have upon the entire community."
For visitors, CVBs are like a key to the city. As an unbiased resource, CVBs can serve as an official point of contact for convention and meeting planners, tour operators and visitors.
They assist planners with meeting preparation and encourage business travelers and visitors alike to visit local historic, cultural and recreational sites.
Funding for the CVBs, including the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), comes from a local lodging tax that is collected from visitors staying in local hotels. The current lodging tax in Austin is 3%.
Meetings, sports and tourism events are important because:
Travel and tourism enhances the quality of life for a local community by providing jobs, bringing in tax dollars for improvement of services and infrastructure, and attracting facilities like restaurants, shops, festivals, and cultural and sporting venues that cater to both visitors and locals.
What is the impact of Austin tourism?
In 2007, Austin hosted over 160,000 visitors who attended conventions, sporting events, were leisure travelers, group tour participants and Festival goers. These visitors have been attracted to the city and state through the efforts of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau and their tourism partners in Austin and across the state. These visitors spent an estimated $20,000,000 in Austin during their 2007 stay.
The mission of the ACVB is as follows: "The Convention and Visitors Bureau is organized as a 501(6) Non-Profit corporation operating for the purpose of attracting overnight visitors and conventions to the community and therefore advancing the economic impact such visitors and conventions have upon the entire community."
For visitors, CVBs are like a key to the city. As an unbiased resource, CVBs can serve as an official point of contact for convention and meeting planners, tour operators and visitors.
They assist planners with meeting preparation and encourage business travelers and visitors alike to visit local historic, cultural and recreational sites.
Funding for the CVBs, including the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), comes from a local lodging tax that is collected from visitors staying in local hotels. The current lodging tax in Austin is 3%.
Meetings, sports and tourism events are important because:
Travel and tourism enhances the quality of life for a local community by providing jobs, bringing in tax dollars for improvement of services and infrastructure, and attracting facilities like restaurants, shops, festivals, and cultural and sporting venues that cater to both visitors and locals.
What is the impact of Austin tourism?
In 2007, Austin hosted over 160,000 visitors who attended conventions, sporting events, were leisure travelers, group tour participants and Festival goers. These visitors have been attracted to the city and state through the efforts of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau and their tourism partners in Austin and across the state. These visitors spent an estimated $20,000,000 in Austin during their 2007 stay.
Posted by gljoefan on Jan. 14 2009,4:37 pm
(scorenix @ Jan. 14 2009,10:12 am)
QUOTE
So should the three major hotel companies in this town stop paying the occupancy tax collected from hotel guests to pay for the Convention and Visitors Bureau?
Should they stop paying their property taxes as well to the city, county and school district?
Should they stop paying the state sales tax collected from the hotel guests?
Should they not pay the withholding tax on payroll withheld from employee checks and/or the employer contribution?
Should they stop paying their mortgage?
Should they stop paying their property taxes as well to the city, county and school district?
Should they stop paying the state sales tax collected from the hotel guests?
Should they not pay the withholding tax on payroll withheld from employee checks and/or the employer contribution?
Should they stop paying their mortgage?
The nail was just hit squarely on the the dead. Good one.
Posted by gljoefan on Jan. 14 2009,4:41 pm
I don't don't know how one measures the success of such and organization. But they seem to be doing a good job. If not, the folks that own the hotels, and collect the tax, would be demanding changes.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,6:09 pm
They've been complaining since day one.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 14 2009,6:52 pm
I have been searching for the Convention Bureau annual repot this is all I can find.QUOTE
. REQUEST TO PRESENT CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU UPDATE – SUSIE PETERSEN, CVB DIRECTOR
City Manager Simonsen explained that Susie Petersen, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, would give an annual report update to the Council. Ms. Petersen stated that the lodging tax had increase from 2006 to 2007. The CVB has been actively supporting all of the wonderful things in Albert Lea. They have scheduled several tours of our area and thanked the City Council for all of their support throughout the year. Mayor Erdman thanked Susie Petersen for the good job.
City Manager Simonsen explained that Susie Petersen, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, would give an annual report update to the Council. Ms. Petersen stated that the lodging tax had increase from 2006 to 2007. The CVB has been actively supporting all of the wonderful things in Albert Lea. They have scheduled several tours of our area and thanked the City Council for all of their support throughout the year. Mayor Erdman thanked Susie Petersen for the good job.
QUOTE
City Manager Simonsen explained that the City of Albert Lea and the Convention & Visitors Bureau entered into an agreement on October 26, 2004 for services funded by the lodging tax. Due to an increase in lodging tax collected in 2006, the agreement should be modified to increase the monthly payment to the Convention & Visitors Bureau from $12,000 per month to $13,000 per month. If excess revenue is collected by the City, it will be held for future deficits or special projects. The CVB will submit a written request for any excess funds they may require. The City does retain 5% of lodging tax revenue to administer the tax.
Resolution 07-16 was introduced by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Baker. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
Resolution 07-16 was introduced by Councilor Marin, seconded by Councilor Baker. On roll call vote, the following councilors voted in favor of said resolution: Councilors Rasmussen, Baker, Marin, Olson, Severtson, Brooks and Mayor Erdman. Mayor Erdman declared the resolution passed.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,6:55 pm
If you will recall this is the organization that was ran by our ex mayor, the clothes changer. Remember cookie gate? How she was spending this money on herself and employees?
Posted by Roadhouse on Jan. 14 2009,7:00 pm
I would wager a guess that the local youth hockey organization sells as many hotel rooms in a given time frame for tournaments than the CVB does for the same time. A quick look at their tournament schedule and one could estimate that from Nov. through Feb. there will be 715 families needing lodging for youth hockey alone.
Posted by howie on Jan. 14 2009,7:06 pm
(Roadhouse @ Jan. 14 2009,7:00 pm)
QUOTE
I would wager a guess that the local youth hockey organization sells as many hotel rooms in a given time frame for tournaments than the CVB does for the same time. A quick look at their tournament schedule and one could estimate that from Nov. through Feb. there will be 715 families needing lodging for youth hockey alone.
And I would guess that the CVB helps by playing a supporting role? Don't
Posted by MADDOG on Jan. 14 2009,8:02 pm
(minnow @ Jan. 14 2009,6:55 pm)
QUOTE
If you will recall this is the organization that was ran by our ex mayor, the clothes changer. Remember cookie gate? How she was spending this money on herself and employees?
And is now ran by our previous Chamber maid who left for Diamond Joe's only to be displeased there so they gave her the CVB job.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 14 2009,8:08 pm
In addition to cookies, they actually draw a salary too don't they?
Posted by aAa on Jan. 14 2009,9:15 pm
Mad Dog -- I believe you may have your info just a little bit twisted, but that's Ok, it makes for a good story line. Never mind being accurate, just shoot from the hip.The previous Chamber Maid is the current CVB Director (Suzie Petereson). The person that left the CVB for Diamond Joe's was (Jill Kohler) the previous CVB Director, who found that the private sector was more to her liking. Yes she came back to the CVB, but soon left to become the Marketing Director at Wells Federal Banks.
I hope this puts things in perspective.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,9:23 pm
Slap! I'd say ya got Slap Chopped dog! Slap!
Posted by MADDOG on Jan. 14 2009,9:32 pm
Thanks for the correction. And minnow, yeah I watched it again long enough to get to the nuts. 
Posted by minnow on Jan. 14 2009,9:48 pm
Yer gonna love Vinces nuts! 
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 15 2009,5:12 pm
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
And why is that? Because the law requires hotels to collect a 3% tax from the hotel paying guest to remit to the city of Albert Lea, and a 7% tax from the hotel paying guest to remit to the state of Minnesota. This is money that is paid on top of the hotel room rate. The hotel acts as a conduit for the tax collecting authorities. And if a hotel does not remit the tax, you think its simply okay for the hotel to keep the money to fund their day to day operations?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 15 2009,5:18 pm
Ok Scornix tell us what tourism / conventions have been brought to Albert Lea in 2008 that was the direct results of the efforts of the CVB of Albert Lea. Compare the yearly report of Austin and is CVB efforts to the lack of public information of Albert Lea's
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,5:25 pm
(scorenix @ Jan. 15 2009,5:12 pm)
QUOTE
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
And why is that? Because the law requires hotels to collect a 3% tax from the hotel paying guest to remit to the city of Albert Lea, and a 7% tax from the hotel paying guest to remit to the state of Minnesota. This is money that is paid on top of the hotel room rate. The hotel acts as a conduit for the tax collecting authorities. And if a hotel does not remit the tax, you think its simply okay for the hotel to keep the money to fund their day to day operations?
Jebus, is that why it costs $80.00 a night to stay at Holiday Inn Express.
I just think it's gouging. It just seems like another entity taking taxes. That the publc doesn't really have any say in.
I thought the mafia was the only organization that did that.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 15 2009,5:38 pm
QUOTE
And if a hotel does not remit the tax, you think its simply okay for the hotel to keep the money to fund their day to day operations?
Exactly.
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 15 2009,8:49 pm
So let's really break this down here:If the room rate is $80 a night. The guest will pay the hotel $80, plus $5.60 for state taxes (or 7%), and $2.40 for city tax (or 3%). The hotel will thus collect $88 from the guest, and remit (send) the state $5.60, and the city $2.40. For those of you who venture out of your homes and go to other cities, you will see some locations go as high as a combined 17% of the room rate. BUT, the state and city tax is merely levied on the hotel room rate, and the hotel is obligated by law to collect this tax from the guest and remit to the proper authority. It is not for the hotel's keeping.
I am a little perplexed on this whole tax issue. Do you advocate that hotels not remit the tax money they are legally required to collect and remit?
If you'd like to have a further discussion on area hotel rates, and tourism in Albert Lea (conventions or lack of them), I 'd certainly be willing to talk further about it.
Posted by MADDOG on Jan. 15 2009,9:06 pm
Who is on the CV Board and what are they doing with the lodging tax they are collecting from each guest? Afterall, isn't their job to draw people to town, not to tax them for coming?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jan. 15 2009,9:16 pm
I have asked this three times no..... what tourism / conventions have been brought to Albert Lea in 2008 that was the direct results of the efforts of the CVB of Albert Lea.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,9:50 pm
QUOTE
If the room rate is $80 a night. The guest will pay the hotel $80
Well first of all. I think that is a little steep for a hotel room of the caliber, of those two out that way. If I were visiting this area from abroad. I would probably stay at the Days Inn in Austin.
Last time I looked that was some where in the $35-45.00, range.
I've also noticed if you reserve rooms a long way out in advance. You can get that same kind of deal just about anywhere in the country. At simliarly priced/quality venues.
Or at least quite a few that I searched. I have to admit that I haven't looked in a while so maybe it's way off from that now.
QUOTE
For those of you who venture out of your homes and go to other cities, you will see some locations go as high as a combined 17% of the room rate
Any examples? Without knowing I would say they are probably places who are in more of a position to get away with it.
QUOTE
I am a little perplexed on this whole tax issue. Do you advocate that hotels not remit the tax money they are legally required to collect and remit?
I'm not. Like I said it seems like gouging. In light of all of these things we hear about taxes, water bills, etc. That just seems like that falls into THAT catagory.
Is there some other way of handling it? Could that be reduced.
What kind of a total dollar amount anually are we talking here?
I guess since you're basically the expert here. Those would be things I would ask you.
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 15 2009,10:02 pm
(GEOKARJO @ Jan. 15 2009,9:16 pm)
QUOTE
I have asked this three times no..... what tourism / conventions have been brought to Albert Lea in 2008 that was the direct results of the efforts of the CVB of Albert Lea.
Pick up the phone and call and ask Susie Peterson, the head of the CVB here in Albert Lea.
As far as who is on the CVB, I am. If you want additional contact names, call the CVB.
Even though I am on the CVB, I do not speak for the CVB, nor do I think I should. I am but one of several members. And my appointment came about as being the manager of the largest hotel company in Albert Lea.
When I give my opinion, it is my opinion, it is not the opinion of the CVB, nor should it be construed that way.
The city or occupancy tax was created by the state legislature, which allowed cities to create the "tourism" tax. I don't know of a city with a hotel that doesn't have the occupancy tax. Maybe, but I don't know of one. Austin does. It's 3%. So does Rochester.
The Albert Lea hospitality industry is doing quite well. So I will leave it to you to dissect why some struggle and others do not. It might have to do with traveler perception of value. While one might "bash" a hotel for charging $80, while another is only $60 and "gee, all I want is a bed", there are noticeable differences between area hotels.
I do sympathize with AL Inn. And I do wish Tonya well. Certainly you never want to see people struggle or come up short, especially those who take on the responsibilities of buying and running a business. I hope all works out for her.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 15 2009,10:05 pm
Just because you can tax, doesn't mean you should.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,10:16 pm
How much money is this tax bringing in anually?
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 15 2009,10:28 pm
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,9:50 pm)
QUOTE
[
Last time I looked that was some where in the $35-45.00, range.
I've also noticed if you reserve rooms a long way out in advance. You can get that same kind of deal just about anywhere in the country. At simliarly priced/quality venues.
Last time I looked that was some where in the $35-45.00, range.
I've also noticed if you reserve rooms a long way out in advance. You can get that same kind of deal just about anywhere in the country. At simliarly priced/quality venues.
Days Inn in Austin is $62 a night. That is their Quick Saver rate of 15% off.
So we are high? Consider:
Pillowtop beds that are still relatively new (we replaced all our beds at one time - a local hotel called us an asked if they could take the "better" beds because they wanted to replace some of the ones in their rooms).
A complimentary breakfast in the morning that includes bacon and eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, assorted cereals, muffins, breads, etc.
20% more shower space with the kohler showerhead. A showerhead that really is that good, I've had guests ask where they can buy them, and I've given away a few as presents to some high occupancy guests.
Triple sheeting. The only hotel in Albert Lea that washes all of its sheets, including the bedspread, after every stay.
100% cotton towels. Oversized. Rotated out about every nine months.
We provide amenities that go beyond soap and shampoo.
Priority Club Rewards. It battles with Starwood and Marriott for program of the year (2 of the last three years). And no other area competitor comes close to Priority Club.
Four pillows per bed. Two soft, two firm.
I could go on, but that's why the difference in price. So for $20 more, you can stay with us, or drive 20 miles to Austin and stay at the Days Inn.
Regarding the tax. This is a tax put on the guest, not the hotel. And the hotel merely collects the tax and remits it to the proper authority.
How would you feel if Wal-Mart decided they no longer needed to remit sales tax to the state of Minnesota?
Posted by howie on Jan. 15 2009,11:01 pm
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
Do you get out of town much? Trying gettng a hotel room and not paying a cvb style tax. And many, including Bloomington have higher rates.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,11:02 pm
QUOTE
Days Inn in Austin is $62 a night. That is their Quick Saver rate of 15% off.
Well like I said it was a while ago. But I know it was when Holiday Inn Express was at around $80.00 still.
But apparently they have changed.
Over two nights that's still $40.00.
QUOTE
Albert Lea that washes all of its sheets, including the bedspread, after every stay.
I do like that. I stayed at a place one time out west. Spotless rooms. The comforters had kind of a worn look to them. But they weren't frayed or anything, you could just tell they got washed all the time.
And they were king sized beds. So it had to have been kind of a big deal to do that. But it was just indicitive of the overall cleanliness of the rooms.
I've stayed at way more expensive places that weren't as clean as that place was.
That is a very big deal, I agree.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't collect tax.
I'm just curious as to how much is collected. And how is it handled.
Apparently it's a big secret.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 15 2009,11:22 pm
(howie @ Jan. 15 2009,11:01 pm)
QUOTE
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
Do you get out of town much? Trying gettng a hotel room and not paying a cvb style tax. And many, including Bloomington have higher rates.
Yes, and let me guess if your house was in LA it would be worth $1,000,000.
Posted by scorenix on Jan. 16 2009,12:04 am
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,11:02 pm)
QUOTE
I'm not saying that you shouldn't collect tax.
I'm just curious as to how much is collected. And how is it handled.
Apparently it's a big secret.
I'm just curious as to how much is collected. And how is it handled.
Apparently it's a big secret.
How much is collected I guess is public information. It's in the vicinity of $170,000.
The point you should realize is this: the maximum allowable rate is 3%. So every community is at 3%. So on a $100 room rate, the city tax is $3.00. The hotel collects the $3 and remits the $3 to the city. If the tax was 1% the hotel would collect $1 and remit $1 to the city. The hotel essentially has no burden (I have a minor argument that it does but it probably isn't all that relevant here).
This is not a tax on the hotel. It's a tax on the paying guest, and the guest pays it in addition to the hotel room rate. And the remittance of the tax to the city is not an expense of the hotel.
The only problem is that the tax is collected and doesn't need to be paid until toward the end of the following month, giving the hotel holding power over the receipt of the cash, that can and often does go toward expenses when the hotel is hurting for cash.
Tonya is having a very difficult time. I doubt it was purposeful. I hope she is able to come through this.
Posted by howie on Jan. 16 2009,12:46 am
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,11:22 pm)
QUOTE
(howie @ Jan. 15 2009,11:01 pm)
QUOTE
(hymiebravo @ Jan. 15 2009,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
CVB sounds like a bunch of shake down artists - like the mafia to me. lol
Do you get out of town much? Trying gettng a hotel room and not paying a cvb style tax. And many, including Bloomington have higher rates.
Yes, and let me guess if your house was in LA it would be worth $1,000,000.
The value does not matter, it is a percentage of the sale.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 16 2009,3:56 pm
So we've established that 3 dollars is 3% of 100. Good to know that that's still a fact/true. Don't get me wrong. I like the fact that you try and make things clear and simple.So some place like say Country Inn & Suites. Which has 77 rooms, according to their web site. If at full capacity, would bring in, lets see. . . carry the 2. . . $231.00 a day for this tax.
That's a pretty good chunk of change if you multiply that by the month. Isn't it? A 30 day month $6,930.00.
I would imagine that could go a long way toward - say for example - something like your light bill? What's yours? $4,000 a month?
I know you say it's charged to the customer. But if you are able to garner it one way or the other. Meaning if you can still charge $103.00 with or without the CVB tax. It could really help a place out.
That doesn't look like chicken feed to me.
The reason I mentioned that I thought $80.00 bucks a night - was steep for the Holiday Inn Express. Was because I've stayed in Downtown SF for like $85.00 a night before. So to me, when I learned that it costs $80.00 - to stay in AL at a Holiday Inn Express. And it was ONLY $5 bucks less. I thought that was outrageous.
But you do see American Inn type hotels - all over the place now - that are in the $100 range. Even in very small towns.
Although it seems like in many cases. Those small towns are in proximity to SOMETHING. Like maybe sking or some kind of spectacular scenery - or what have you.
Which gets back to the question of - where does a cities/states monies go. Do they manifest themselves into physical things of value. Things that make your locale worthy to visit. Or do they go to some tea & crumpets crowd. That puts up a billboard every once in a while.
I'm sure some place like Bloomington must really rake in a lot on something like this. And as such you would have a hard time getting them to ever look at this differently. But it would be nice if each city could make up their own mind about it. IMO
It seems like both of those hotels (the one directly across the street as well) out there - seem to be in a constant state of flux. And change hands quite often
Does it have anything to do with not being able to rake in an extra $5,000.00 a month?
And I still haven't been able to grasp the idea of promoting tourism. By charging 3% and up - more than standard tax, to your perspective clients.
Especially in the Land of 10,000 taxes.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jan. 16 2009,3:58 pm
Oh I almost forgot. How many times do I have to stay out there to get the FREE shower head?
I want one of those babies.
Posted by beth42 on Jan. 20 2009,9:32 pm
i work for the albert lea inn and think tonya should be given a chance to repay or a payment plan or something...criminal charges are crazy..if people knew the whole story they would agree not to mention all the good tonya does just ask the salvation army churches or her employess or friends.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 20 2009,10:19 pm
^Yes, I agree
Posted by howie on Jan. 20 2009,10:58 pm
They are not all 3% either Bloomington has a 7% lodging tax and 3% on sale liquor tax.
Posted by howie on Jan. 20 2009,10:59 pm
(beth42 @ Jan. 20 2009,9:32 pm)
QUOTE
i work for the albert lea inn and think tonya should be given a chance to repay or a payment plan or something...criminal charges are crazy..if people knew the whole story they would agree not to mention all the good tonya does just ask the salvation army churches or her employess or friends.
I believe she was given several. It's not like this just came up.
Posted by minnow on Jan. 20 2009,11:18 pm
^Tell us how you believe that. Can you, or are you just talkin' out your a$$ again?
That's what I thought.
Posted by Santorini on Jan. 21 2009,8:39 am
I don't understand why this issue is even a big deal 
It's not okay for AL Inn to owe taxes without the threat of legal action...
BUT it's okay for Franken and "whats his name" who will be part of BHO's cabinet...to not pay taxes??
Posted by minnow on Jan. 21 2009,8:43 am
Where's your evidence that Al didn't pay his taxes? Could it possibly be that you are lying because you have a political agenda of your own?
Posted by Santorini on Jan. 21 2009,8:54 am
(minnow @ Jan. 21 2009,8:43 am)
QUOTE
Where's your evidence that Al didn't pay his taxes? Could it possibly be that you are lying because you have a political agenda of your own?
I like the AL Inn.
Worked there for many years.
It used to be the Kahler in its hey-day.
Then the Best Western.
Worked there in many capacities from wait staff and banquets to group sales and management.
Used to have 126 rooms and was quite nice.
Problem is that it is old and dated. Would take alot to update those rooms to the standard franchises require.
I always thought the 3% hotel/motel tax went to the chamber to help solicit tourism
Posted by Santorini on Jan. 21 2009,8:55 am
(minnow @ Jan. 21 2009,8:43 am)
QUOTE
Where's your evidence that Al didn't pay his taxes? Could it possibly be that you are lying because you have a political agenda of your own?
come on minnow.
just like a dem. he had to claim ignorance and hurry to get-r-done!
Posted by minnow on Jan. 21 2009,8:57 am
he overpaid his taxes to the wrong state. Nice try...nice lie. Typical con. Lie to further an agenda. Goes to the CVB. It's a joke. Why not let the motel drum up it's own business?
Posted by Santorini on Jan. 21 2009,9:00 am
(minnow @ Jan. 21 2009,8:57 am)
QUOTE
he overpaid his taxes to the wrong state. Nice try...nice lie. Typical con. Lie to further an agenda.
Goes to the CVB. It's a joke. Why not let the motel drum up it's own business?
Goes to the CVB. It's a joke. Why not let the motel drum up it's own business?
BECAUSE...it's the CVB's JOB!!
Check into it!
Posted by minnow on Jan. 21 2009,9:01 am
It's their Job to spend other peoples money?
Posted by Santorini on Jan. 21 2009,9:02 am
(minnow @ Jan. 21 2009,8:57 am)
QUOTE
he overpaid his taxes to the wrong state. Nice try...nice lie. Typical con. Lie to further an agenda.
Goes to the CVB. It's a joke. Why not let the motel drum up it's own business?
Goes to the CVB. It's a joke. Why not let the motel drum up it's own business?
typical donk
twist it until it suits your own agenda
Posted by minnow on Jan. 21 2009,9:04 am
I'm conservative, not a Republican or Democrat.Your just against abortion and that's it. Blinds you to anything else.
Posted by lovefromhell on Aug. 13 2010,5:42 pm
i am ex husband of tonya, i devorced her after finding out that she had by deception had the ownership of the hotel changed 100percent to herself. when i descovered the fraud, i demanded that she right the wrong. she called me from the parking lot of a police station saying, "i am with my daughter siting in the parking lot of the police station, and if you dont leave the document alone, my daughter and i will have you arrested for child abuse" i said, "i did no such thing, infact your 300lb daughter is the one who abuses my sons and i will not submit to your blackmail" she said, who they going to believe the mother and daughter or you, an ugly old asian man? she was right, but in my compaint this deception and drug use is documented. i will post my comment on the article ex hotel owner faces drug charges 4-15-10 albert lea tribune.
Posted by usmcr on Aug. 13 2010,6:56 pm
Knights inn unpaid taxes! 2301 east main st. albert lea, mnDist: 3401 plat: 01078 buschbom fourth addition lot 001 block 007
with penalties/interest & fees:
2007 - $62,436
2008 - $59,847
2009 - $58,509
2010 pending $51335
total owed thru 2010 $232,127!
these figures are direct from the auditors office as per dennis distad.
the projected forfeiture if unpaid is 2011. jan - feb notice august 2011 sale.
it seems the sale was recorded without the stamp from the auditors office that the taxes had been paid! the city of albert lea has stated that they will not get a liquor license until the taxes are paid.
why the county allowed the sale to go thru with out the taxes being current is beyond me! i know when i have sold homes that is one thing that is taken care of at the time of sale or closing.
Posted by gijoeman on Aug. 13 2010,7:30 pm
How is a motel in AL supposed to pay $5000 justin property tax above and beyond all bills? It seems impossibly insane.
Posted by City Worker on Aug. 14 2010,1:31 am
I'm glad to see this hotel up and running again. When I drive by there on my way to work It looks busy. What a bummer it must be for the new owners to take on the burdens of the old owners.
Posted by gijoeman on Aug. 14 2010,3:36 am
The city bills these places $5000 a month..year in, year out and then bills them a lodging tax too boot? Seems really harsh. How do these places survive? No wonder a room costs so much. If the city didn't double tax these places so heavily rooms would be about $49 dollars a night or less.
Posted by hairhertz on Aug. 14 2010,7:22 am
The room tax goes to the convention & visitor's bureau, doesn't it? Who is the CVB and who governs them?Commercial property is highly taxed, at least twice the rate of residential property. Between property taxes, licenses, fees, inspections, etc., it costs a fortune just to open the doors.
Posted by Glad I Left on Aug. 14 2010,7:45 am
I think we need another gov't bailout. Higher taxes is always the answer!!
Posted by Whiskero on Aug. 14 2010,9:00 am
The Knight's Inns rooms do start at $49.95 per night and they are very nice rooms.In fact, they redecorated everything, from the front desk area to the pool area. Beautiful!
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 14 2010,9:52 am
(hairhertz @ Aug. 14 2010,7:22 am)
QUOTE
Who is the CVB and who governs them?
That would be a secret.
Trust me. You really don't want to know. I'll just give you a hint who's close to them.QUOTE
Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau
2566 N. Bridge Ave.
North Bridge Mall
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 373-2316
2566 N. Bridge Ave.
North Bridge Mall
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 373-2316
QUOTE
Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce
2580 Bridge Avenue
North Bridge MAll
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 373-3938
2580 Bridge Avenue
North Bridge MAll
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 373-3938
< http://visitalbertlea.org/ >
I wonder what she did before she was head of the CVB?
Posted by jazzy jeff on Aug. 14 2010,5:31 pm
what is the difference between visitalbertlea.org and cityofalbertlea.org?
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 14 2010,6:37 pm
(jazzy jeff @ Aug. 14 2010,5:31 pm)
QUOTE
what is the difference between visitalbertlea.org and cityofalbertlea.org?
That's a trick question. Right?
Posted by jazzy jeff on Aug. 14 2010,10:16 pm
why do we need both? Maddog, I realize that they both are run by different groups but it seems to me that it is wasteful spending to have both.
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 14 2010,11:30 pm
You win the best question of the day award for your bravery in questioning local government.You do know that Suzie asked to leave the Chamber and take over the CVB, right? They started her at $48,000 back then I believe and it's well over $65K now. Part-time mind you, which must be why she can be seen at the golf course almost as often as at the office. I suppose that's how she racked up all those miles to get a big travel expense check.
She's in charge of hospitality and tourism for the community. That must be why when the Holiday Express was going to build here and changed their mind and went to Northwood instead. It will be open by next spring.
Posted by jazzy jeff on Aug. 14 2010,11:54 pm
Thanks for the info. Seems that the CVB should be working hard to get the Brookside Boathouse completed and the bike trail done so we can have things for the tourist to do here. $65k is a lot of cash for part time. I personally would like to see more results from the CVB. And thank you for the honor of winning question of the day.
Posted by gijoeman on Aug. 15 2010,1:01 am
It's a ridiculous proposition in the first place to force motels to pay a tax and then give $65 thousand of that tax per year for someone to diddly around. The hotels themselves should be left this money to reduce room rates or advertise on their own. Why not seaze money from car dealers and furniture stores as well? It just don't make no sense. Yet many here will stand up and say this is needed!
It's just stupid.
Posted by busybee on Aug. 15 2010,2:58 am
Gijoe...who is standing up and stating this "tax" and paying $65,000 for a part time job is needed other than you accusing others of the possibility???
Posted by gijoeman on Aug. 15 2010,6:36 am
The majority believe it or not.
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 15 2010,7:17 am
(jazzy jeff @ Aug. 14 2010,11:54 pm)
QUOTE
Seems that the CVB should be working hard to get the Brookside Boathouse completed and the bike trail done so we can have things for the tourist to do here.
I don't quite see how a boathouse should be high on the list of a Convention and Visitor Bureau? The bike trail? If you're referring to linking it with the Austin trail, maybe. If you're thinking of linking the Blazing Star trail past the old meat plant where the city piles junk to past the old waste management plant to the Y, you're nuts.
Posted by jazzy jeff on Aug. 15 2010,9:12 am
I look at opportunities for people to VISIT Albert Lea. Our resources are the lakes. What do most people do around a lake? 1. Fish 2. Walk 3. Bike 4. boating. There are 4 reasons for people to visit. We need to take advantage of our resources here. And, come on MD, I'm not nuts. U make a good point tho, "Blazing Star trail past the old meat plant where the city piles junk to past the old waste management plant", what are we gonna do here?Topic...failure to pay taxes for 3 years is not an oversight.
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 15 2010,9:28 am
The nuts part was the bike to the Y part. I thought there were sidewalks and biking paths around the lake areas already? You bike them?
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 15 2010,2:20 pm
(gijoeman @ Aug. 15 2010,1:01 am)
QUOTE
It's a ridiculous proposition in the first place to force motels to pay a tax and then give $65 thousand of that tax per year for someone to diddly around. The hotels themselves should be left this money to reduce room rates or advertise on their own. Why not seaze money from car dealers and furniture stores as well? It just don't make no sense.
Yet many here will stand up and say this is needed!
It's just stupid.
Yet many here will stand up and say this is needed!
It's just stupid.
HOW is this different from any other tax and spend government program? Some simple substitutions:
"It's a ridiculous proposition in the first place to force
"The
It makes NO sense for us to send tax money to St. Paul or Washington, then beg to get some of it back, AFTER government has taken their cut.
How is it that people can get upset because of the hotel tax, while ignoring the bloat that State and Federal government has become?
Yet that is exactly what the advocates of big government (you know who they are) advocate.
Posted by Liberal on Aug. 15 2010,2:39 pm
QUOTE
Yet that is exactly what the advocates of big government (you know who they are) advocate.
Last I heard the republicans cost us a couple trillion worth of wars, and the first bank bailout.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 15 2010,3:22 pm
QUOTE
Last I heard the republicans cost us a couple trillion worth of wars
Like most libbies, you haven't learned to face the facts that CONGRESS approves the money. If CONGRESS felt the war wasn't necessary, they could have not appropriated the money--but they DIDN'T de-fund it. Look at the list of those who voted for the war--lots of people with (D) after their names! 
The Donks have held Congress for the last 4 years. How is it that they haven't defunded the war? After all, itsn't that the platform they RAN on?
QUOTE
and the first bank bailout
The TARP program was Troubled Assets Relief Program--a program to rescue banks from the mess created by the Federal Government in forcing the banks to make loans that otherwise wouldn't have made any sense. The program was designed to shore up those bad loans. Bush spent half of the money to do just that. Obambi took what Bush DIDN'T spend and nationalized banks with it. That wasn't the intent of the law.The Repubs spent too much money in the wake of 9/11--but the Donks made their spending look like pikers by comparison. They "doubled down", then doubled down AGAIN.
The subject of this thread is taxes. WHICH party is in favor of MORE taxes, and WHICH party is in favor of CUTTING taxes?
Better yet, which party is in favor of ELIMINATING THE TAX CUTS?
Posted by lovefromhell on Aug. 16 2010,2:19 am
IF YOU WILL READ THE ARTICLE CAREFULLY, THE INCOME WAS CHANGED TO REFLECT LOWER TAX, ISNT THAT A FRAUD
Posted by irisheyes on Aug. 16 2010,6:21 am
(jimhanson @ Aug. 15 2010,2:20 pm)
QUOTE
HOW is this different from any other tax and spend government program?
Yet that is exactly what the advocates of big government (you know who they are) advocate.
Yet that is exactly what the advocates of big government (you know who they are) advocate.
Those fighters, bombers, and subs cost a great deal of money. As well as the BILLIONS of dollars worth of weapons we purchase for Israel, the nations that we rebuild, and the interest on the debt from wars & tax cuts that weren't paid for. Where will that money come from if we just decide people shouldn't have to pay taxes?
I can get find the top tax rates during WWII & Vietnam if you want to compare it to today. They paid significantly more in taxes back then.
As for Congress controlling the purse strings, that's true to some extent, but "the buck stops HERE." The President is the one who SIGNS those spending bills. In your assertions about Congress, it seems like you're claiming the President has nothing to do with it?
Either way, the idea that conservatives are better with government spending has long been debunked. Even the conservative Heritage Foundation admits so in this graph.
Posted by jimhanson on Aug. 16 2010,12:19 pm
Irisheyes--where's the chart since 2006? Was there not room on the page to show the huge increase in spending since then? JIM
QUOTE
HOW is this different from any other tax and spend government program?
JIM
QUOTE
Yet that is exactly what the advocates of big government (you know who they are) advocate.
Irish
QUOTE
Those fighters, bombers, and subs cost a great deal of money. As well as the BILLIONS of dollars worth of weapons we purchase for Israel, the nations that we rebuild, and the interest on the debt from wars & tax cuts that weren't paid for. Where will that money come from if we just decide people shouldn't have to pay taxes?
The question about how is that different referred to GIJOEMAN's issue with taxing the hotel industry, then letting government decide where to spend it. It ISN'T different than sending your money to Washington or St. Paul. The idea of "let's all through our money in a pile, then let someone else decide where it will be spent" is ludicrous.
Since you bring up the entire defense budget, though--yes--defense costs a lot. No reasonable person can defend these costs--yet the advocates of big government perpetuate the system. An example: during the 50s and 60s, we USED to buy fighters by the thousands. The companies designed them, constructed prototypes, had a fly-off, entered production, and produced the airplanes quickly and cheaply. The production lines were closed at the end of the contract. NOW, it takes YEARS of proposals, YEARS of studies, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS in R&D, BILLIONS in plant costs--and the aircraft are trickled out to a couple of dozen a year. The result? Airplanes today (like the F-22) cost more than 10 times what their predecessors (F-15, 16, 18s did).
Why do they take so long to make so few airplanes? Because Congress wants to keep the plants open to "save jobs" in their community. The reality? EVERYBODY pays for the pork.
How is it that an advocate for big government like yourself defends the very government that creates this kind of waste?
It isn't just in defense--there are very FEW things that government does that match the efficiency of private business--yet there are those that think the cure for big government spending is MORE GOVERNMENT.
Posted by usmcr on Jul. 10 2012,9:33 pm
knights inn unpaid taxes roughly $300,000!< http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Applica...2490110 >
property has been revalued. some token payments in 2011. the penalty's are adding up!
it seems time to put the owners on a strict time payment schedule or close them down. five or more years in arrears is way to long imho.
Posted by ControlledHyperness on Jul. 10 2012,11:54 pm
Keep in mind, they got blindsided with the taxes left behind from AL Inn. They gave 5 years to repay. I know they were busy, then lately haven't been. The logo isn't on the front anymore.
Posted by hairhertz on Jul. 11 2012,1:38 am
tax 'em until they fail...?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 11 2012,11:55 am
How does one get blindsided by a previous owners failure to pay property taxes? They couldn't have gotten financing if a complete title search wasn't done. If they bought the property for cash and didn't search for liens they were very foolish. The alternative is, we should all pay more taxes on our property so the Knights Inn can get a pass! Lets put it on the November ballet! I'm sure it will pass.
Posted by ControlledHyperness on Jul. 11 2012,12:57 pm
Easy. The City had all but tacked it on to whatever fines the former owner had. SHE was supposed to pay it. That was, if I remember correctly, the only way the current owners would/could buy it. Then, after owning it for less than two months, the City came back saying there were back taxes owed and they were due yestrday. Owners filed for the 5 year extention, tried to go before the Counsel but got sick that night. Did go before City, and I think wad granted only two years. I'd call that blindsided.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 11 2012,1:34 pm
Sounds like they should have had a lawyer when the did the deal. Was this the first property they ever purchased?
Posted by twingroves on Jul. 11 2012,3:31 pm
when ever you deal with the city you better have 2 lawyers
Posted by just the facts on Jul. 12 2012,12:23 pm
I believe the property was purchased from the bank that foreclosed on the previous owner.
Posted by This is my real name on Jul. 12 2012,12:30 pm
Too bad the Moens didn't buy it. I bet that would have cleared that tax problem right up.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 12 2012,12:31 pm
(This is my real name @ Jul. 12 2012,12:30 pm)
QUOTE
Too bad the Moens didn't buy it. I bet that would have cleared that tax problem right up.
Posted by usmcr on Jul. 20 2012,12:01 pm
the port authority now getting involved:Knights Inn –Due to property taxes not being paid for several years, the property is scheduled to go to tax forfeiture auction in August of this year. It would have been on the auction last year, however, the County Auditor Treasurer entered into a re-payment plan with the owners to avoid the auction. The owners did not meet the terms of the repayment plan. The amount of the taxes, interest and penalties owed is $310,000.
City Attorney, Lee Bjorndal, attended the meeting to inform the board of its abilities in this matter. A concern is if the property goes to auction and no one buys it, it will sit empty and likely be vandalized or worse yet, another unqualified buyer could take it over at auction and repeat the cycle. The Port Authority has the legal authority to acquire the property and preempt the tax forfeiture sale. According to Mr. Bjorndal, the Port Authority is uniquely able to step in and take control of the property and do the work to make the property marketable. It would be more difficult for the City to do. There are concerns regarding the building condition, one being asbestos. The board packets contained a memo dated 1/1/12 from Lee and another one dated 12/10/03 from the St. Paul Port Authority both citing state statutes allowing government entities to acquire tax-forfeited properties for nominal amounts. Mr. Bjorndal suggested starting a discussion of what needs to be done. A TIF may need to be put in place. Also, a notice must be sent to the auditor conveying the Port’s interest in assuming the property.
Commissioner Moore asked if there are restrictions on how the property is developed. Executive Director Dorman believes the property may need to be included as part of the Port’s Industrial Development District (IDD), but that doesn’t mean it has to be used for industrial. Mr. Bjorndal recommended the Port consult an attorney with more experience in this area. Commissioner Skophammer asked about a redemption period and there isn’t one, and also about the first mortgage. American Bank sold the current owners the redemption certificate from the mortgage foreclosure sale. Any debt is wiped out by the process of tax forfeiture. The owners would have to get current on the property taxes through 2011 to stop the sale process. This is a four-acre parcel that could be divided into two pieces.
Commissioner Moore asked what the return would be on an estimated $250,000 demolition plus legal fees. Executive Director Dorman explained that the property could be a redevelopment TIF district like the Green Mill area. Expenditures could be recovered based on that. Additionally, the site is worth more than $250,000; it would be more of a cash flow issue. The Port could sit on it for a while and not lose money in the long run. The site is potentially worth $750,000 when redeveloped. Chad recommends working with a developer for uses for the property through an RFQ. A public hearing must be held with a ten-day notice at a Port Authority Meeting. After the Port’s interest is stated, it stops the auction and starts a six-month clock to close on the purchase. Chad recommended not establishing a TIF too soon. The assessor will set the value for the TIF at the bare land cost. On August 1st, the building should be available to assess the condition. Mr. Bjorndal said the Port will have to go to the County Board of Commissioners for approval of their plan. The Port may need to update the industrial development district map.
< http://www.growalbertlea.com/index.p...mid=181 >
Posted by usmcr on Aug. 10 2012,3:39 pm
parcel # 342490110 is still in arrears.2012 - $38,988
2011 - $52750
2010 - $49,840
total $141,578
parcel # 341930050
2012 - 2011 - 2010 - $11,628
Parcel ID 342490110
Property Address 2301 MAIN ST E
ALBERT LEA
Sec/Twp/Rng N/A
Brief Tax Description BUSCHBOM FOURTH ADDITION Lot-001 Block-007 LOT 1 BLK 7 & ADJ VACATED ST BUSCHBOM 4TH ADDN CITY
(Note: Not to be used on legal documents)
Deeded Acres 0.00
Class 233 - (NON-HSTD) COMM LAND & BLDGS
District (3401) A LEA CITY 241 SRRW
School District 0241
Creation Date 04/13/1989
Owner
Primary Owner
Am Property Holdings, LLC
P O Box 369
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Alternate Taxpayer
Fee Owner
Valuation
2012 Assessment 2011 Assessment 2010 Assessment 2009 Assessment
+ Estimated Building Value $229,800 $669,900 $1,086,900 $1,086,900
+ Estimated Land Value $276,300 $271,300 $290,400 $290,400
+ Estimated Machinery Value $0 $0 $0 $0
= Total EstimatedValue $506,100 $941,200 $1,377,300 $1,377,300
Taxation
2012 Payable 2011 Payable 2010 Payable
Gross Taxable Value $941,200 $1,377,300 $1,377,300
- Excluded Value $0 $0 $0
= Net Taxable Value $941,200 $1,377,300 $1,377,300
Net Taxes Due $38,988.00 $52,750.00 $49,840.00
+ Special Assessments $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
= Total Taxes Due $38,988.00 $52,750.00 $49,840.00
Taxes Unpaid
No taxes are due at this time.
Taxes Paid
Receipt # Receipt Print Date Amt Adj Amt Write Off Amt Charge Amt Payment
5381 8/9/2012 $0.00 $0.00 $2,100.02 ($12,760.02)
5379 8/9/2012 $0.00 $0.00 $24,253.92 ($69,251.92)
305417 8/9/2012 $0.00 $0.00 $810.64 ($21,076.64)
5380 8/9/2012 $0.00 $0.00 $4,231.86 ($50,397.70)
4547 7/13/2011 $0.00 $0.00 $63.04 ($7,628.24)
4548 7/13/2011 $0.00 $0.00 $13,671.60 ($17,371.76)
4526 6/24/2011 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ($25,000.00)
4498 6/3/2011 $0.00 $0.00 $7,725.20 ($25,000.00)
Tax Statements
2012 Tax Statement 2011 Tax Statement 2010 Tax Statement
take note of the decreased building value 2010 - $1,086,900 2012 - $229,800.
Posted by ICU812 on Aug. 13 2012,12:05 pm
Looks to me like they are all paid up?
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 13 2012,2:03 pm
(ICU812 @ Aug. 13 2012,12:05 pm)
QUOTE
Looks to me like they are all paid up?
According to the County Auditor site:
Parcel 342490110-No taxes are due at this time.
Parcel 341930050-No taxes are due at this time.
Posted by ICU812 on Aug. 13 2012,3:05 pm
Yeah, that's what I got when I was looking.
Posted by usmcr on Aug. 13 2012,3:42 pm
my apologies! i stand corrected! i have called the assessors office & they concur that all the taxes for this property has been paid to date. with that obstacle out of the way they will be able to apply for a liquor license from the city. thank you for correcting me!