Five years ago the tax-exempt, not-for-profit Wolf Lake Shooting Club membership volunteered their time, talents and fundraising skills to build a shooting range on Wolf Lake city property. The city approved the project because it would be open to the public and there would not be any expense to the city.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also licensed the project. The NRA liability insurance is paid through annual fundraising by the shooting club. DNR-qualified members take pride in volunteering for youth firearms safety instruction each year.
The city assessor, Lowell Skoog, has now assessed the Wolf Lake Shooting Club for property "user" tax for CY2008. County Assessor Steve Skoog (Lowell Skoog's brother) certifies assessment is valid.
County Auditor-Treasurer Ryan Tangen concurs with the county assessor and states that if the tax is not paid by the club, it will be recaptured by transferring the tax liability to club officers. My research confirms that the auditor's threat is legal. So much for volunteering! -- Les Restinen, Frazee
