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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 13, 2005 Lions center disappointed over legislative inaction By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune After waiting seven years for tax-exempt status for the Southern Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Center, Sherrie Messer, the force behind state House Bill 2511, was disappointed to learn that the bill may not make it out of legislative committee this session. "Darn, what can I say," said Messer, adding that she’d be willing to wait another two years if that’s what it took. "Any time would be wonderful." Several other fraternal organizations, including the Masons, the Knights of Columbus, Elks and Veterans of Foreign Wars, do not pay property taxes. HB 2511, drafted by Rep. George Gilman, R-Medford, would add four more organizations to that statewide list: the International Association of Lions Clubs, Soroptimist International, Rotary International and Kiwanis International. In Medford, the Lions Club is the only one of those organizations that owns property — at 228 N. Holly St. The property taxes were $5,804.77 in 2004. Advertisement HB 2511 went to the House Revenue Committee in Salem Tuesday for review of amendments that would better define the bill, but the amendments were not prepared in time — a problem that could jeopardize its status, said Gilman. "We’re starting to run out of time on bills," he said. The Medford City Council voted Thursday to send a letter supporting the bill as requested by Councilwoman Claudette Moore. But the League of Oregon Cities is against HB 2511 in principle. "We don’t support additional exemptions of property taxes for anybody at this point," said Ken Strobeck, executive director. He said while there are many worthy causes and many tax-exempt properties that exist, such as schools and hospitals, these properties still need to be covered by fire, police and other services funded by taxpayer money. Michelle Deister of the LOC said the league needs to see more of the details worked out, such as how much money the exemptions amount to statewide. "There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the issue," said Deister. "We’re not really in a position to say, ‘Yeah, go ahead,’ " she said. As proposed the bill would apply to tax years beginning July 1, 2006. Messer said she began seeking tax-exempt status when the Lions received its first property tax bill in 1997. A review of the billing system showed the Lions Club was not exempt from property taxes. Messer said that money could be put to better, more effective use. The organization helps low-income residents with free glasses and hearing aids, among other services. "It’s all about community service," she said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s