The Pipestone County Board of Commissioners opened and closed a public hearing on Jan. 7 and approved a tax abatement application for Jose and Teresa Lopez for a new home at 901 Ninth Avenue Southwest in the City of Pipestone.

County staff presented the application and confirmed the property parcel and legal description in the packet. The county’s packet estimated the value of the completed home at $401,000. The abatement amount discussed on the record was approximately $1,140.01. Staff also confirmed that building permits were in place with the city; at the time of the hearing, only utility-marking flags were visible at the site and no dirt had been moved.

The board voted to close the public hearing and then approve the abatement application by voice vote. Following approval, commissioners noted that permit and construction activity may proceed under the city’s permitting process.

Ending: The board approved the tax abatement for the Lopez property and closed the matter; staff will process the abatement under county procedures and the project will proceed subject to city permitting and inspections.