Dawes County board removes permissive tax exemption for Seventh Day Adventist School, approves tax correction

The Dawes County Board of Equalization voted unanimously on May 13, 2025, to remove a permissive tax exemption for a parcel linked to the Seventh Day Adventist School and approved a county tax correction.

Chairman Vic Rivera called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Room at the Dawes County Courthouse in Chadron. Commissioner Stewart moved to accept the agenda (which noted the deletion of a permissive exemption item related to the City of Chadron); Commissioner Juhlin seconded the motion, which passed on a roll-call vote with all three commissioners voting aye.

Rivera opened a public hearing at 9:05 a.m. on the permissive exemption for the Seventh Day Adventist School. No members of the public attended to speak, and Rivera closed the hearing at 9:07 a.m. Following the hearing, Commissioner Stewart moved—and Commissioner Juhlin seconded—to remove parcel ID#230003197 from permissive exemption status and place it on the tax rolls. The board approved the motion unanimously (Ayes: Vic Rivera; Commissioner Juhlin; Commissioner Stewart).

Assessor Lindy Coleman presented tax correction #5375 for the board’s review. Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the correction; Commissioner Juhlin seconded, and the motion carried with all three commissioners voting aye. Coleman also provided a copy of a letter that will be mailed with tax notices explaining valuation increases.

Treasurer Sam Wellnitz reported that NCAP renewals were completed last month and provided an update on their status to the board; no action was recorded beyond the update. The board acknowledged correspondence, including a TERC decision regarding Nicole Gill and a letter concerning Schafer Feedlot.

With no further business, Chairman Rivera adjourned the meeting at 9:15 a.m. The board’s next scheduled meeting is June 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.