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Commission forms Mills Act ad hoc after criticism of city’s annual report
Summary
After a lengthy exchange on the Mills Act, the commission created an ad hoc committee (Commissioners Levitt and Akins) to review the city’s administration of the program. Commissioner Randy Levitt criticized a newly circulated annual‑report form as intrusive and potentially counterproductive to encouraging landmarking.
Commissioners Levitt and Akins will form an ad hoc committee to review the city’s Mills Act administration and reporting procedures after a sustained discussion about a newly distributed annual‑report form.
Commissioner Randy Levitt said the form — which asks owners to itemize projects, supply receipts and show that annual preservation expenditures match annual tax savings — is "intrusive, bureaucratic" and risks discouraging owners from landmarking. He argued that the intent of the Mills Act is to incentivize preservation, not to monitor year‑to‑year spending: "The incentive is a gift from the state legislature and it doesn't matter what it is used on, only that the property is properly maintained," Levitt said.
Staff told the commission that the Mills Act is governed by state law and that county assessor staff (who process Mills Act tax adjustments) are available for technical questions. Staff also said the municipal code requires a 10‑year maintenance plan as part of an agreement, but the state law requires inspections every five years; the commission asked staff to clarify inconsistencies and consult the county assessor.
Commissioners directed the ad hoc to examine whether the city's new annual form is consistent with state law and best practice, and to recommend whether staff should replace the form with a lighter process such as periodic street checks, a five‑year inspection cadence, or other options that preserve enforcement of the contract without discouraging participation.
Staff reported 12 Mills Act properties on the city’s landmark list and said a form deadline in February may apply; the ad hoc will coordinate with staff and the county appraiser to determine next steps.
