Board denies Masonic lodge 136 exemption for lack of filing

The Ohio County board voted June 25 to deny the 136 property-tax exemption for the local Masonic lodge because the lodge did not submit the required form, bylaws or other documentation after repeated notices from staff.

Staff told the board it had mailed multiple requests and had not received the lodge's filing. "I cannot find a filing for them and I cannot get them to do a filing even though I've mailed them everything and ask them to please just fill this out and send it back," staff said. The board moved to deny the exemption and direct staff to send a formal letter notifying the lodge of denial and inviting them to provide the missing documentation.

Why it matters: denial for failure to file is an administrative step that preserves the county’s right to tax the property until the lodge provides documentation that justifies exemption under 136. The lodge may refile to seek reinstatement.

Details and next steps: staff will send a notice explaining the denial and list the specific documents required (signed filing, bylaws and contact information). The board recorded a motion to deny and asked staff to attempt another outreach; the lodge retains the ability to submit materials for re-review and to appeal any final assessment.