Holmes, Thell testify at hearing for utility tax abatement legislation

Carlton County commissioner Mark Thell and assessor Kyle Holmes spoke to the Carlton County Board of Commissioners during Tuesday's meeting about their appearance at a hearing at the State Legislature regarding the issue of repayment to utility companies for years they were deemed as overtaxed on their properties.

The two men testified in support of a bill authored by State Rep. Mike Sundin that would make the State Commissioner of Revenue fully responsible for any paybacks if litigation goes against the State. As proposed, the bill would have the state cover any back-payment of property taxes...