Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes a $193,448.21 tax refund pursuant to a settlement agreement. The subject properties consist of property at 437 N. Frances Street in the City of Madison. The refund will be paid through a reduction in property tax revenue budgeted in the 2019 Adopted Operating Budget. The City's share of the refund is $77,284.33. The entire refund will be paid by the City and the non-city portion will be recovered from the other affected taxing jurisdictions (school district, county and technical college district).
Title
Authorizing the settlement and payment of a tax refund for tax year 2017 for Core Campus Madison, LLC. v. City of Madison, Dane County Circuit Court Case number 18CV1717. Authorizing entry into settlement agreement and approving payment of approximately $193,448.21 from City resources to effectuate the settlement. $77,284.43 represents the City’s approximate portion of the settlement.
Body
Background
The subject property, parcel number 0709-232-0222-3 is newer large multi-family apartment complex located at 437 N. Frances in the City of Madison, known as the HUB. For tax year 2017, the City assessed the subject property at $115,890,000 and the City Board of Assessors reduced the value to $97,320,000. Core Campus filed an objection. The assessment was sustained by the Board of Review. As a result, this suit was brought.
Subsequently, Core Campus produced the actual lease income and occupancy rates (as of January 1, 2017), significant tenant improvement allowances, and the City used more recent and accurate sales comparables to reduce the assessed value of subject property to $89,500,000 for tax year 2018.
Settlement
Based on the additional and accurate information supplied to the City for the 2017 and 2018 assessments it is appropriate therefore, to reduce the 2017 assessed value to $89,028,000, which reflects a slightly lower value than 2018 because as of January 1, 2017 the property was less occupied and had higher expenses. This reduction would result in a refund of approximately $193,448.21. The parties have reached this tentative settlement based on the recalculated assessment for tax year 2017. This resolution seeks approval of the settlement agreement with Core Campus Madison, LLC., along with all other approvals necessary to carry out the settlement including adjusting the City’s revenues.
Under the proposed settlement, Core Campus would be paid a total of approximately $193, 448.21 as a refund for the 2017 tax year and in turn the parties would stipulate to the dismissal of the lawsuit. Core Campus, will not be paid any additional interest or costs. This resolution authorizes the City Attorney to sign the Settlement Agreement on behalf of the City of Madison. The City’s share of the settlement is approximately $77,284.43
The City Attorney and the City Assessor recommend the approval of the proposed Settlement Agreement.
Necessary Authorizations
This resolution
1. Approves the Settlement as outlined above.
2. Authorizes the City Attorney to sign the Settlement Agreement on behalf of the City.
3. Approves the payment in total of approximately $193,448.21 to settle tax year 2017.
4. The City’s share of the settlement is approximately $77,284.43.
WHEREAS, Core Campus pursued an action against the City of Madison for excessive assessment for its property located at 437 N. Frances Street for tax year 2017; and
WHEREAS, Core Campus and City of Madison have reached a proposed settlement regarding the 2017 assessment, which settlement the Common Council finds is in the best interest of the City; and
WHEREAS, The City Attorney, City Assessor, and Finance Director all recommend the approval of the settlement as described in this resolution; the City Attorney will subsequently enter into a Settlement Agreement for the following total tax refund of approximately $193,448.21 with no additional interest or costs.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the payment of approximately $193,448.21 from City resources to Core Campus, in full settlement for tax year 2017;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assessor and other City staff are authorized to file for reimbursement from other taxing jurisdictions pursuant to Wisconsin Department of Revenue procedures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Attorney is authorized to sign the settlement agreement on behalf of the City of Madison; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City’s share of the settlement is approximately $77,284.43.