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County Gives Tax Break To Historic Lamb House

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By SUSAN M. GREEN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

RUSKIN - The Lamb House, a three-story mansion transplanted from a perch overlooking the Manatee River to a waterfront spot on the Little Manatee River, has received a 10-year property tax exemption after a public hearing last month in Tampa.

The house was one of two historical buildings in Hillsborough County to receive a break on property taxes associated with improvements that enhance their cultural value. The other home is in Tampa. County commissioners held public hearings April 8 before they voted to grant the exemptions, in accordance with a county ordinance.

No one spoke at either public hearing.

Last week, at a land-use meeting, county commissioners approved an item on their consent agenda authorizing the county attorney to amend the ordinance to do away with a requirement for public hearings associated with the exemptions.

Elaine Lund, a county planner who oversees the historic preservation program, and Nancy Takemori, an assistant county attorney, said the language in the historic preservation property tax exemption ordinance was vague.

It reads: "The Board of County Commissioners may approve an application for tax exemption at a public hearing by resolution."

Takemori and Lund said some exemption requests have been approved without public hearings. Eliminating the requirement would save the county money in legal advertising costs and staff time, Lund said.

Both women said they are aware that the Lamb House exemption request raised eyebrows recently, when some residents complained that the owners would receive public funding for a private residence that is not accessible to the public. But they said that had nothing to do with the pending change to the ordinance.

Takemori said final changes to the ordinance will require a public hearing. She did not know when it will be.

The Lamb House met county criteria for a tax exemption because it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. If it becomes a county landmark, it could qualify for other funding.

Reporter Susan M. Green can be reached at (813) 865-1566 or sgreen@tampatrib.com.

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