Polson Elks ask to be SID tax exempt

POLSON — A non-profit organization on Polson’s Main Street is in jeopardy of closing its doors and moving off the street by way of inclusion in the Streetscape sidewalk improvement project’s proposed Special Improvement District fee.

The Elks Lodge has existed since 1946 and does plenty of good in the community, its members say.

“As a majority, I don’t think the community knows how much we do,” said chairman of trustees Chuck Adams. “We make an effort to be valuable to the community.”

The Polson Elks Lodge, located on Main Street, gives six $1,000 scholarships throughout the valley every year, hosts the county hoop fests, makes donations to veterans and other citizens, promotes drug awareness in schools, opens the building to charitable causes and events, and does everything possible to make the city a better place, Adams said.

“The city won’t allow us to be tax exempt,” Adams said.

The Elks Lodge will be made to pay $55,020 during a 15 year period, $3,668 per year, for the street improvements. City and county land is exempt from the tax, as are other non-profits such as the American Legion and the Veterans’ Club.

“There’s no way we can afford that,” trustee Dick Giffin said. “With the economic conditions the way they are I don’t think anyone can afford it.”

Adams said he has reservations about the sidewalk project, and isn’t eager to see it’s effect on the organization. He said many of the organization’s charities may be in jeopardy, and there is talk of how to make ends meet as a result of the SID.

“I don’t think it’s the right time for this,” Adams said. “We will have to find ways to pull money out of a hat.”

The lodge may be forced to move, as there is little more the organization can do to maintain operations.

“Shutting the doors is a distinct possibility,” Adams said. He said the additional payment will be similar to another mortgage.

Trustee Don Corkum is also searching for solutions to the looming SID.

“We can’t raise our dues,” Corkum said. “It puts a cramp in our charitable contributions. It’s a catch 22.”

Since the street improvement’s conception nearly three years ago, the Elks have been unable to receive an exact figure for their financial contribution to the project. This week however, Adams was able to meet with city treasurer Bonnie Manicke and said the figures are more precise now.

“They’re going after grants so that may lower it,” Adams said. “But there are no guarantees.”

The Elks Lodge has written a letter to the city asking to be removed from the SID, and the city council may vote on the lodge’s exclusion at the next meeting, councilman Mike Lies said.