Tired Iron receives exemption from property taxes

— Tired Iron of the Ozarks received word on May 10 that the club’s show grounds would not be subject to Benton County property taxes.

The announcement came after Benton County assessor Bear Chaney toured the club’s show grounds and heard of the club activities.

In its monthly newsletter, Tired Iron of the Ozarks president Glenn Smith wrote: “Johnny Burger and I met with Bear Chaney, the Benton County Assessor, Tuesday, May 10, at our show grounds. We gave him a guided tour and successfully answered all of his questions. He told us he would be bringing his grandkids out for the next show, and just before he left he told us he agreed with us and believed we should be tax free. He stated he would have to check with the Benton County lawyer before he could declare us tax free. In the afternoon, the Benton county lawyer and our lawyer talked and both agreed that we should be excused from the burden of the property tax.”

Not all the details of the settlement were yet known, Smith said. He didn’t know if the decision would only relieve the club of current tax obligations or be retroactive with taxes already paid being refunded.

Chaney said it is still required that an exemption be requested each year on property (real or personal) for which an exemption is desired. He is discussing options with the county attorney on a procedure for handling such cases in the future.

As a result of the settlement, the meeting scheduled for Monday, May 16, with Judge Clinard was not held.

The club filed suit against the county assessor’s office after the previous assessor, Bill Moutray, refused to grant the club an exemption on land and buildings the club uses for its annual shows.

News, Pages 1 on 05/18/2011