From a lengthy article in the Lafayette Journal & Courier:
The discussion over the Faith West project returns to a public venue this week.
When last discussed earlier this month, the public passionately voiced support and opposition about West Lafayette being a conduit for the faith-based community center and residential housing. Throughout the debate, people asked how much — if any — Faith West would pay in property taxes.
Some of those questions might be answered at 1:30 p.m. Thursday when Faith West goes before the Property Tax Board of Appeals. The board has about 130 applications to consider. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. Faith West’s petition is scheduled to begin when the panel reconvenes after lunch.
The public normally pays little attention to the board’s meetings, but because of the discussion about Faith West’s bonds, Tippecanoe County Assessor Linda Phillips scheduled the meeting for the Tippecanoe Room at the County Building, 20 N. Third St.
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The Property Tax Board of Appeals ultimately will decide what portions of the Faith West project is taxable. The land, for example, is likely exempt from property taxes, Phillips said, citing state laws about property owned by churches. The fitness center also is likely to be found exempt.
Steve Viars, Faith Church pastor, said, “As I understand it, the only ruling they have to make is the land itself, but we would like to get some sort of ruling on the project.”
Much of the residential housing is likely to be exempt, Phillips said of Faith’s application.
“Many of the uses that they’re going to have ... many of the housing units will be occupied by things that are clearly exempt — their missionaries on home leave, victims of domestic violence, the (at-risk young adults) still under treatment program. Those are all clearly exempt,” Phillips said.
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See the full article here:
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012306260023&nclick_check=1
