Church to appeal exemption ruling

MOSCOW, Idaho – Christ Church elders will appeal a Latah County decision to revoke tax-exempt status on two of its properties.

Pastor Doug Wilson called the county’s action earlier this month the latest example of “slam-dunk harassment” by a group of about 50 people he claims are convinced the church and New St. Andrews College officials are bent on gaining political power.

Rose Huskey, one of the people who challenged the property tax exemption, rejected Wilson’s suggestion that the church was being targeted.

“It’s not about religion,” Huskey said. “It’s about paying taxes.”

Normally, religious buildings are exempt from property taxation.

But two of the three county commissioners agreed that a million-dollar publishing operation in the church’s Anselm House and the Zume Bakery & Cafe in one of the college’s two buildings strayed far enough from religious and educational purposes to put their exemptions in question.

A third property was allowed to keep its tax-exempt status even though it leased some space to a tenant.

The other commissioner, Paul Kimmell, did not vote because he is a member of the church.

Latah County Assessor Steve Fiscus said more than $12,000 would be collected on Anselm House alone.

He did not provide a figure for the other property.

Wilson said if the church wins its case before the state Board of Tax Appeals, the church will donate an amount of money comparable to the tax liability to local government.

Huskey said she and her allies planned to appeal the county’s decision to retain the tax exemption for the third parcel of church property.

“I’m delighted that he’s exercising his constitutional rights just as we have and will continue to do,” Huskey said.

“Paying taxes is a citizen’s duty. Naturally, we would encourage all businesses in Moscow to pay their taxes.”