CLEAR LAKE – Democratic nominee for Cerro Gordo County Supervisor Doug Nelson says his Republican opponent, Casey Callanan, isn’t a county taxpayer.
Recently, Mr. Nelson said via social media that “In the case of Cerro Gordo supervisor district 2, there are over 10,000 land parcels being taxed with a rural levy and I am the only candidate who pays this tax. My republican opponent doesn’t pay property taxes in our county, maybe not at all.”
Both men are from Clear Lake and are seeking the District 2 Supervisor seat held by Bob Amosson.
NIT sought a response from Casey Callanan, who responded shortly thereafter:
Casey Callanan
“The residential and commercial property taxes I pay in CG County are via an LLC based on professional advice I have received. Many farmers that I know have their family farms titled to an LLC or a corporation, is Doug Nelson suggesting that those farmers don’t pay property taxes as well?
20 E State St., Mason City – Fighting Irish LLC – $10,394 – annually
It’s as if Doug Nelson is saying that people who don’t directly pay property taxes are unworthy of seeking office. In my opinion it becomes a slippery slope, does he also think that those that don’t pay property taxes shouldn’t be able to vote as well? While I do pay property taxes, the last I checked it wasn’t a requirement for seeking elected office.
The interesting thing about it is that most everyone that is a resident of CG County pays property taxes in one way or another. Even renters, you know darn well the landlord figures property taxes into your monthly rent.
Prior to us (First Insurance) moving, we were required to reimburse Bank of America for our portion of the property taxes as part of our lease agreement. Just because the check didn’t go directly to the CG Treasurer from our bank account doesn’t mean that we didn’t pay property taxes. It came right off of our bottom line.
As far as I know, I’m the only candidate for Supervisor who pays property tax in two CG County municipalities, and who pays both residential and commercial property taxes to the County.
Having one of my opponents already going negative is regretful and I feel it has nothing to do with representing our County. My campaign is focused voters concerns and moving Cerro Gordo in a positive direction.
A document sent to NIT shows that the Dodge Ct LLC is based in Florida. Florida has a 5.5% corporate tax rate while Iowa has a 12% rate.
Mr. Nelson responded with more remarks:
The reason I focus on the parcels taxed with the rural levy is to point out the necessity that they be fairly represented. I find that very important. Those taxpayers (myself included) have no other agency than the Board of Supervisors and could be overlooked or taken advantage of under our tax system in favor of building municipalities, giving breaks to businesses, or relieving the general fund. While there is no requirement to pay property taxes to serve as a supervisor, it certainly lets the voters know that the candidate has their own skin in the game, as it were, rather than just spending other people’s money. There isn’t anything negative in pointing out that a candidate doesn’t personally pay property taxes, it simply makes a distinction that the voters might find useful when deciding their vote.
Dodge Court LLC doesn’t come up under Iowa listings but does come up that Dodge Court LLC is a corporation based in Palm Beach, Florida. Registered agent is Ronald Fick, LESQ, authorized person is John V. Hanson.
Renters are not liable to the county for property tax. If they don’t pay their rent, there is not a lien placed upon a real estate property in our county. If the landowner doesn’t pay (perhaps as a consequence of the renter not paying), there is one placed and the property can be sold by the county to recover the taxes. Using a limited liability corporation creates a veil to shield personal responsibility without limiting profits. While a practical business practice, it does remove the individual from being able to claim that they directly pay taxes unless they choose to pierce the veil of their corporation, thus potentially negating the purpose of limiting the liability.
