The Haines Borough in Alaska has filed a Superior Court appeal challenging its own Board of Equalization’s decision to grant a religious property tax exemption to St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church. The dispute centers on a 6.59-acre parcel at 1 Mile Haines Highway, where the borough assessor had revoked the long-standing exemption.
Background
The citizen Board of Equalization unanimously reinstated the exemption after a public hearing. However, the Haines Borough is now suing its own citizen board, submitting a Notice of Appeal, responding to objections, and filing a motion to waive the cost bond.
The case is moving quickly, with briefing deadlines expected in the coming weeks and a Superior Court decision likely later this summer or fall. The church’s exemption status remains a contentious issue, with the borough seeking to impose property taxes despite the church’s exempt status.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
