The new owner of the JM Stuart and Killen Station has filed a complaint against their real property valuation for 2019 tax year (calendar year 2020) with the Adams County Board of Revision. In their complaint, Kingfisher Development Company LLC is requesting a decrease in excess of $51 million in taxable value. The Board of Revision hears complaints on property tax values and is made up of County Auditor David Gifford, Treasurer Lisa Newman and the President of the Board of Commissioners Ty Pell.
In the event that the local Board of Revision denies the request of Kingfisher Development Company, LLC, which is likely, the company could appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals in Columbus.
In a notification last week to county departments, Auditor David Gifford advised departments on potential cuts in revenues. The biggest victim would be the Manchester Local School District at $1,175,841.
Other Lost Revenues would include:
- County General Fund $199,382
- Developmental Disabilities $76,412
- Adams County EMS $102,247
- Children Services $102,247
- Adams County Senior Citizens $35,786
- Health Department $25,561
- Adams County 911 System $61,348
- Monroe Township $40,383
- Sprigg Township $36,577
- The total tax revenue lost would be $1,855,784.
In an email obtained by the Informer, Gifford said, “As the case is currently pending before the Adams County Board of Revision, of which I am a member, I am unable to express my opinion concerning their (Kingfisher Development) complaint or their requested reduction in value since the hearing has not yet been held. However, as Auditor and on behalf of the Board of Revision, we do have independent real property tax counsel to represent my interest and the BOR’s interest if the case is appeals to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals.”
Gifford also invited county departments to become a party to the case to protect their affected revenue. The deadline for a counter-complaint is due to be filed with the county auditor on or before May 5th. Gifford’s notification only gives departments less than two weeks to complete the necessary complaints.
The Informer reported last December that Kingfisher Development Company was registered to do business in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. The company also had ownership of the closed Beckjord Power Plant in Clermont County and the closed AEP Muskingum River Power Plant in Washington County.
