This week, lobbyists for municipalities had a 'Dark Store' day to draw awareness to a situation cities cite as a problem with certain big box stores and their tax bills.
One 'dark store' situation in Rhinelander has been resolved.
The city council this week reached an agreement with Menards. Under what is called the Dark Store loophole, big box stores are allowed to have their assessments judged against large stores that have been closed, as opposed to currently operating facilities.
The city was notified January 11, that Menards has filed a claim of excessive assessment and is seeking a $51,000 refund for its Rhinelander store. Terms of the agreement with Menards, approved this week, finds the city refunding almost $16,000, with about half of that from the city of Rhinelander and the rest from other taxing entities. Both parties agreed to end the case with the payment and agreed to not use the values in the disputed assessment in the future.
