Childcare director seeks support from city, county on tax status

Published 12:00am Tuesday, May 16, 2006
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&8220;Quality childcare is a vital part of the whole economic picture,&8221; Rick Wilson said to Anderson. &8220;You offer a good service.&8221; The decision was made after the assessor requested a Minnesota Department of Revenue review of the center&8217;s qualifications for tax exemption. The Department of Revenue responded saying the center no longer qualified in all six of the state&8217;s tax-exemption categories. But Anderson said the Department of Revenue did not receive all of the information and insists the center still qualifies in all of the categories and is more than deserving of its exempt status. If the decision stands, the financial burden would likely lead to the closure of the city&8217;s only childcare center, Anderson said. The community seems unwilling to let that happen. Anderson said several community members and employers have called vocalizing a willingness to mobilize against the decision. Anderson is hoping it won&8217;t come to that. A bill under review at the Minnesota State Capitol could permanently exempt nonprofit childcare centers from the responsibility to pay property taxes. Anderson said she is hoping for a final decision from the legislature next week. &8220;That would be our ultimate protection,&8221; she said. But if it doesn&8217;t pass, hope is not lost. Anderson said she is still hoping the county assessor will reverse his decision. &8220;I am a born optimist or maybe a stubborn Norwegian, but I would be shocked if we couldn&8217;t resolve this,&8221; Anderson said. She said the county assessor agreed to review his decision after a tax meeting Monday. Anderson will ask the Otter Tail County Board for support today. &8220;We want to send a strong message that kids and families are valued in this community,&8221; Anderson said.

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