Moorhead City Council

Nancy Edmonds Hanson

Property tax exemptions were approved for two Moorhead businesses’ construction projects at the city council’s meeting Monday – one for Lorentzen and Andrist Properties LLC, building a new facility near the Azool Shopping Center on Eighth Street South for Moorhead Vision Associates, and the other for an expansion by Hedgemasters LLC.
Moorhead Vision Associates is moving from its long-time headquarters in the Center Mall, which is being cleared for redevelopment by Roers Construction. Owners of the 99-year-old eye care clinic plan a new 74- by 145-foot single-story structure. In addition to Vision Associates, two additional adjoining spaces will be available for other retail enterprises. Completion is expected in September 2024.
According to details provided to the council, the land parcel is valued at about $500,000. The city assessor estimates the value of the finished project at about $1,673,000. The eye care center will retain its current staff of 10, qualifying it for a five-year property tax exemption on the new building and improvements. The maximum total benefit is estimated at $133,888.
The second property tax exemption was approved for Hedgemasters, a local firm that offers commercial snow removal and, in summer, lawn care for residential and commercial clients. Completion of the addition, located at 1601 23rd St. S., is projected in January 2024.
Owner Doug Gullekson plans to construct a new 80- by 112-foot shop next to the company’s existing building. The city assessor has estimated its value at $528,000. Based on the company’s full-time work force of two, it qualifies for a three-year property tax exemption totaling approximately $25,330.