Legislature(2003 - 2004)
04/15/2003 09:04 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 15, 2003
9:04 AM
TAPES
SFC-03 # 49, Side A
SFC 03 # 49, Side B
SFC 03 # 50, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Lyda Green convened the meeting at approximately 9:04 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice Chair
Senator Robin Taylor
Senator Ben Stevens
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Also Attending: RON MILLER, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority; STEVE VAN SANT, State Assessor,
Division of Community and Business Development, Department of
Community and Economic Development; ROBERT FLINT, Attorney
representing Teck Cominco Alaska; MIKE BARRY, Chair, Board of
Directors, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority;
Attending via Teleconference: From an offnet location: STEVE
BRANCHFLOWER, Director, Office of Victims' Rights, and former
Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Department of Health
and Social Services; RANDALL SCHLAPIA, Unit Manager, Provider
Review and Rate Setting, Division of Medical Assistance, Department
of Health and Social Services; JACK NIELSON, Executive Director,
Medicaid Rate Advisory Commission, Division of Medical Assistance,
Department of Health and Social Services; DON KITCHEN, Assistant
Attorney General, Medicaid Provider Fraud, Office of Special
Prosecutions and Appeals, Criminal Division, Department of Law;
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 75-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 76-APPROP:MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
The Committee adopted a committee substitute incorporating the
recommendations of the budget subcommittees.
HB 112-AIDEA : BONDS & MUNICIPAL TAX EXEMPTION
The Committee heard from the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority, the Department of Community and Economic
Development and Teck Cominco Alaska. The bill was held in
Committee.
SB 41-MEDICAL CARE: CRIMES,COSTS,AUDITS
The Committee heard from the sponsor, the Office of Victims Rights,
and the Department of Law. An amendment was considered, amended and
adopted and the bill reported from Committee.
CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
AND
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital
expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health
program; and providing for an effective date."
Senator Taylor moved for adoption of CS HB 75, 23-GH1002\X as a
working draft.
There was no objection and the committee substitute Version "X" was
ADOPTED as a working draft.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption of CS HB 76, 23-GH1004\Q as a
working draft.
Without objection the committee substitute Version "Q" was ADOPTED
as a working draft.
AT EASE 9:07 AM / 9:08 AM
Co-Chair Wilken chaired the remainder of the meeting.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 112(FIN)
"An Act relating to the authority of the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority to issue bonds and to a
municipal tax exemption for certain assets and projects of the
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and
providing for an effective date."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Wilken stated this bill, requested by the Governor,
contains two sections. He explained, "Section 1 extends the
statutory authority of AIDEA [Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority] to issue bonds not to exceed $10 million for
development of projects until July 1, 2007. Section 2 repeals the
sunset provision and permanently provides for a tax exemption to
the DeLong Mountain transportation system."
RON MILLER, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority (AIDEA) and Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), read
testimony into the record as follows.
This bill would extend AIDEA's general bonding authority to
July 1, 2007 and without this extension we would need
legislative authorization to issue bonds to develop projects
under $10 million. We'd also be restricted from using any
bonds to finance the purchase of loan participations without
legislative authorization.
Examples of bond issues that we've had in the past that fell
within this exception are bond series 1995A, $8,500,000 of tax
exempt funds, for loan participation made to the Kodiak Fish
Wheel Company for fish byproduct processing plant, [and] $7
million AIDEA revolving fund bonds series 1991Am which
provided tax exempt funds for the expansion and improvement of
the Unalaska Marine Center.
[The] following requirements within our statutes are not
affected by HB 112: all development projects over $10 million
for which bonds are to be issued would still require
legislative authorization prior to issuing the bonds, and
prior to issuing bonds over $6 million, AIDEA is required to
receive approval from the local government in which the
project is to be located. That provision will not be affected
by this bill, and all development projects for which bonds are
to be issued require AIDEA to make findings that the project
is economically and financially feasible.
What this bill does is gives us another tool in our portfolio
for financing projects. It simply addresses a timing issue.
Without this authorization, we may have to wait [until the
next legislative session] for legislative authorization to
issue bonds.
Co-Chair Wilken requested the witness speak to the relevance of the
provision in Section 2 of the bill.
Mr. Miller noted this language was inserted by the House Finance
Committee and relates to a permanent extension of the DeLong
Mountain Transportation System (DMTS) tax exemption. He explained
this publicly owned system of AIDEA is connected to the Red Dog
Mine. He qualified that the current membership of the AIDEA board
of directors has not taken a position on this issue, the historical
precedence of AIDEA has "assumed that AIDEA development projects
are not subject to property taxes; however private users and the
local political subdivision may enter into agreements providing for
payments in lieu of taxes." He informed that Teck Cominco Alaska,
owner of the Red Dog Mine, and the Northwest Arctic Borough have a
pilot agreement for payment in lieu of taxes. He furthered that the
DMTS and Teck Cominco's use of that system was exempt from tax
evaluation until the year 1999, at which time an assessment was
made and the legislature in 2000 provided a tax exemption with a
sunset provision that expires in the current year.
Co-Chair Wilken suggested that Members pose questions first to
Section 1, as the two sections address different issues.
Senator Taylor asked if the current $10 million limitation is a
"workable number" or whether it is too low or too high. He recalled
that when this limitation was originally imposed, no specific
reason was given for determining the $10 million amount.
Mr. Miller replied that AIDEA would not be hindered by this
limitation amount. He stated that this AIDEA could function without
this extension for another year, although passage would benefit the
Authority. He explained that if a project of less than $10 million
were proposed during the upcoming months and this authorization
were not granted, the project would be delayed until the following
legislative session.
Senator Hoffman asked if any of the bonds have "failed for payment"
that were issued under the current limitation.
Mr. Miller answered no.
Senator Bunde asked if in the event of catastrophic failures, would
the State bear the "ultimate responsibility" for honoring the
bonds.
Mr. Miller responded this would depend upon the type of bond in
question, explaining that neither the faith nor credit of the State
or AIDEA is involved for a conduit bond. He furthered that AIDEA
has sufficient resources to secure the bonds it issues.
Co-Chair Wilken next addressed Section 2 of the bill. He detailed a
photograph showing the mine, a road and docking and storage
facilities, and clarified that the road shown is the subject of
discussion [copy on file].
Co-Chair Wilken referenced a handout titled, "Red Dog Mine full
Value Issue History" distributed by the State Assessor [copy on
file] and reminded of the legislative property tax exemption
granted in the year 2000 for three years. He noted the exemption
period is approaching termination.
STEVE VAN SANT, State Assessor, Division of Community and Business
Development, Department of Community and Economic Development, told
of assessment undertaken in 1998 of the Northwest Arctic Borough
for full value determination purposes as required by law, which
included the Red Dog Mine. At that inspection, he informed that he
collaborated with tax assessors from the City and Borough of Juneau
and the Fairbanks North Star Borough to ensure consistent
evaluations of mining facilities throughout the State. He stated
that during this review, it was discovered that certain assets of
approximately $154 million should have been included in prior full
value determinations but were not. He shared this information with
the Northwest Arctic Borough attorney and informed him that these
items, which include the value of a portion of the road, the dock
facilities, and two storage facilities, would be included in the
1998 assessment. Mr. Van Sant noted this determination was appealed
to the commissioner of the Department of Community and Economic
Development based on the argument that the cost to the Borough, at
that time, would have been approximately $1.2 million in funding
for education. He pointed out that the figure includes
approximately $600,000 in State funding. He recalculated the amount
to be approximately $300,000 at present that would "return to the
State" resulting in the zero fiscal note for this legislation.
Senator Bunde asked if the $300,000 includes education foundation
formula funding.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed.
Senator Bunde clarified this amount is not currently appropriated
elsewhere in the State.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed.
Co-Chair Wilken pointed out that this bill requires that the State
Assessor exclude the value attributable to the assets of AIDEA from
the full value determination for the Northwest Arctic Borough. He
asked that because AIDEA is a State agency whether these assets
would be exempt anyway.
Mr. Van Sant agreed that AIDEA assets are exempt from property
taxation. However, he emphasized that the private use of those
assets by a company or individual, which he referred to as
"possessory interest," is taxable under the Alaska Constitution and
statute. He gave an example of space located at the Ted Stevens
International Airport that is leased by Alaska Airlines in which
the airlines is assessed taxes.
Co-Chair Wilken clarified that the ownership is not taxable but
rather the ability to use and generate income from that use.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed and noted that several State court cases have
upheld this. He listed parties involved in these cases including
Alaska Industrial Air, Kodiak SeaLand, Golden Heart Utility, Kodiak
Island Borough and the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if the inclusion of the possessory interest
values for property tax purposes is a standard practice in Alaska.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed and told of a workshop held in 1980 with all
assessors in Alaska in which methods established by the State of
California method were adopted. He explained this provision applies
to assessment for the use by a taxable entity for use of a
nontaxable property, including State, federal, city and borough
lands and Native allotments.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if all city and borough governments assess
these interests and the consequences of those who do not.
Mr. Van Sant responded that all local governments follow this
methodology, although the Municipality of Anchorage does not
exclusively. As a result of the Municipality of Anchorage
practices, he stated that the State has identified an additional
$155 million to the full value of assets.
Senator Taylor pointed out that the State of Alaska does not assess
tax on property.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed but clarified that the State annually
calculates the full value for each community to be used for revenue
sharing and education funding.
Senator Taylor understood the State performs an evaluation of the
assessed value of all real property in Alaska, which is utilized by
other State agencies to determine the amount of required local
support. He noted that the State allows exemptions for property
owners over the age of 65, although does not allow exemptions for
other property owners. He remarked this is a unique system
Mr. Van Sant explained the full value "equalizes the playing field
for all municipalities", noting that the Municipality of Anchorage
assesses almost all real and personal property, with few
exemptions, while the Fairbanks North Star Borough does not asses
personal property. Therefore, he said the State calculates all
optional exemptions for each local government. He emphasized that
the State does not require municipalities and boroughs to actually
levy the taxes. He furthered that other states employ this method
for their formula funding calculations.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if other boroughs formed, whether the State
Assessor would include the value of possessory interest of mines
located within those boroughs.
Mr. Van Sant answered this would occur and reiterated that
possessory interest has been determined for mines located in
existing boroughs.
Co-Chair Wilken referenced the Fort Knox mine in the Fairbanks
North Star Borough and asked if the possessory interest has been
assessed for the road between the Steese Highway and the mine.
Mr. Van Sant replied that the road as well as the right-of-way for
the power line, which is owned by the Golden Valley Electric
Association, is assessed. He furthered that the federal land permit
for the road at Greens Creek in the City and Borough of Juneau is
also assessed.
Senator Taylor asked about the power line to the Fort Knox mine.
Mr. Van Sant explained that because the mine is the single source
user of the right-of-way, a possessory interest has been evaluated.
Senator Taylor clarified that because only one customer exists,
that customer must pay a tax on the power line right of way.
Mr. Van Sant affirmed.
Senator Olson asked the affect of this reassessment of possessory
interest on AIDEA projects.
Mr. Van Sant pointed out that other mine facilities pay these taxes
as a cost of business, although he was unable to respond to whether
harm is caused.
Senator Olson commented that imposition of the additional taxes
would not benefit the Red Dog Mine. He stated that profitable
entities are able to pay the taxes, but those that are not
profitable would "fall by the wayside".
Mr. Van Sant responded that the matter consists of a taxability
issue and an evaluation issue. He explained that if a project were
not feasible, the evaluation would be affected; however, the
taxability of the possessory interest remains.
Co-Chair Wilken recalled discussion regarding Teck Cominco Alaska
payment in lieu of taxes and asked whether this relates to the
taxability of this property.
Mr. Van Sant replied it does not and detailed motor vehicle
registration fees colleted in lieu of property tax. He reiterated
the need to assess property comparably across the State.
Senator B. Stevens asked if AIDEA financing is involved in the
Greens Creek Mine and the Fort Knox Mine.
Mr. Miller responded that AIDEA is not involved in the Greens Creek
Mine operation and has invested approximately $71 million in
financing in the Fort Knox Mine.
Senator B. Stevens asked the portion of the Fort Knox project that
AIDEA is involved.
Mr. Miller described the tax-exempt bonds issued for a leaching
project. He specified that AIDEA has no investment in the
infrastructure, road or power line.
Senator B. Stevens asked therefore, why a project that receives no
AIDEA financing with another that does receive AIDEA financing.
Mr. Van Sant responded that AIDEA financing is irrelevant. Instead,
he emphasized the matter relates to the taxability of the private
entity utilizing tax-exempt property.
Senator B. Stevens questioned the comparison of possessory interest
of airport facilities used by airlines to the use of the road by
the Red Dog Mine. He explained that Alaska Airlines leases the
property and pays a fee for sole use of the property; and has
discretion to prohibit other parties from using that property. He
asked if another entity would be required to negotiate with Teck
Cominco Alaska to use the DMTS in the event another enterprise was
developed, such as coal mining.
Mr. Van Sant understood negotiations would be made with both AIDEA
and Teck Cominco Alaska. He stressed that the most recent Alaska
Supreme Court decision on the matter ruled, "A nonexclusive use
lease was still taxable due to the extent of the possession."
Mr. Miller interjected that negotiations would be made with AIDEA,
the owner of the road.
Mr. Miller clarified his earlier statements that AIDEA " debt
participates" in Fort Knox although it does not "own any of that
project".
Senator Olson spoke of the interest in the success of Teck Cominco
Alaska by Governor Murkowski and others. He asked if extension of
the tax exemption would allow resource development to continue.
Mr. Miller replied that repeal of the tax exemption would increase
the operating costs for the Red Dog Mine. He pointed out that Teck
Cominco Alaska pays AIDEA a tonnage fee for the use of the DMTS and
that a tax would be an additional cost for utilizing the road and
port.
Mr. Van Sant furthered that the Municipality of Anchorage granted a
five-year economic exemption to the property used by the seafood
plant, which is allowable under AS 29.45.050. He expressed that
such exemptions are permitted to encourage economic development,
although the State considers the full value of the assets.
Senator Hoffman noted the Fort Knox Mine project is completely
privately owned while AIDEA owns the road and port of the Red Dog
Mine project.
Senator Taylor asked if the success of a business affects the value
of the possessory interest.
Mr. Van Sant explained that the appraiser assesses the real value
of the property not the business venture. He qualified this is
problematic, exampling a hotel that might be unprofitable due to
poor management or because "the business just isn't there". He
stated that failure of a business to success does not necessarily
diminish the value of that property; however, if the value of ore
dropped significantly, the value of the property would likely be
affected.
Senator Taylor asked if assessment of closed canneries located in
Southeast Alaska should be assessed at highest and best market
value rather than at the current use of the property. He clarified
that a cannery facility could be difficult to sell as a cannery,
although it could be easier sold as a resort.
Mr. Van Sant agreed and stated that if a higher value use were
possible, an assessor would give that consideration. He pointed out
that some facilities have significant equipment, the value of which
is dependent upon the stability of the industry market.
Senator Taylor commented that several seafood plants and lumber
processors no longer in operation have decreased significantly in
value.
Senator Taylor asked the amount of increased revenue to the State
if the State were to exempt a pipeline and other equipment related
to the oil industry from local taxation.
Mr. Van Sant replied that the Alyeska Pipeline generates
approximately $260 million in property taxes annually and that
approximately $40 of that amount is paid to the State.
Senator Taylor understood the dependence of some communities on
this income to subsidize property tax revenue. He indicated this
matter should be reviewed to "level playing fields" for communities
that do not receive income from a large industry.
ROBERT FLINT, Attorney representing Teck Cominco Alaska, testified
that the Red Dog Mine operated for ten years with parties under the
assumption that the public facility was not to be included in the
fair value determination for the Northwest Arctic Borough. He noted
that the Borough contested the 1999 determination, although the
issue became irrelevant after action by the legislature in the year
2000 to allow the exemptions.
SFC 03 # 49, Side B 09:52 AM
Mr. Flint qualified, however, that the legal issues over the
assessment remain. He listed two issues for which the challenge to
the assessment is based, one being that the user of a public road
or facility who pays a toll does not thereby acquire a real
property interest in that public facility. He differentiated this
from a leasehold interest a private entity might have in public
property. He exampled the 55-year lease of State land or land owned
by the Alaska Railroad, which is stated is common and always has
been subject to taxation. He pointed out that in leasehold interest
situations, the leaser has the authority to subcontract use of the
public facility, compared to the DMTS, in which use by other
parties would be negotiated with AIDEA. He added that payment for
use of the road would be made to AIDEA rather than to Teck Cominco
Alaska.
Mr. Flint continued with the second argument against the assessment
that if such possessory interest existed the proper assessment
method of that interest would result in zero value because "a full
lease payment was made for the entire value". He admitted that the
court ruled against this argument in litigation involving the
Golden Valley Electric Association.
Mr. Flint stressed he does not expect the Legislature to act as a
board of equalization or court of appeals to decide these issues.
Rather, he said the matter is public policy for economic
development in remote areas where an absence of public
infrastructure is a "strong inhibiting factor". He pointed out the
DMTS was publicly financed to encourage resource development in
this area. He noted that extensive infrastructure exists along the
railbelt that is utilized by many parties, facilitating economic
development in that region. He expressed that the provision in
Section 2 of the committee substitute "would appropriately
eliminate what would otherwise be a discrimination between a built
up area and a remote area."
Mr. Flint next agreed that the taxation situation is a formula
driven fair value determination in that whatever amount is paid in
either taxes or a pilot agreement, do not affect the formula. He
remarked that the primary purpose of Teck Cominco Alaska projects
is to provide jobs and the secondary purpose is to create a tax
base for the local community. He reported that in the current year,
Teck Cominco Alaska would pay $5,850,000 to the Northwest Arctic
Borough under the pilot agreement. He compared this to the amount
that would be collected in the event property taxes were
established and a mil rate imposed similar to other boroughs, and
calculated that Teck Cominco Alaska would pay no more and likely a
lesser amount.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if the pilot agreement is payment for the use
of the road but not the port or storage facilities.
Mr. Flint replied the contract includes use of all facilities and
amounts to approximately $17 million annually.
BOB JACKO, President, Teck Cominco Alaska testified from a mining
perspective the primary consideration is "predictabity and
consistency". He noted that changes impact the financial stability
of any property. He listed location as another consideration,
similar to the location of a restaurant or hotel. He explained that
the existence of a road and port facility near the Red Dog Mine
"opens up that whole region" and provides an advantage to promote
economic development. He informed that in the years 2000 and 2001,
a significant competitor was investigating ore deposits nearby and
utilized the Red Dog Mine airstrip, exploration camp and
accommodations. He stated that if significant deposits were
located, the competitor would begin operations and subsequently
utilize the DMTS. He attributed this possibility to the existence
of the DMTS that would enable such operations.
Mr. Jacko stressed that Teck Cominco Alaska has never assumed sole
responsibility for the DLMS and has made efforts to ensure the
system is available for multiple users. He exampled fuel transfers
to the Village of Noatak undertaken to offset fuel shortages, the
use of the facilities to transport materials to expand the church
in Noatak and build a pastor's home, as well as the transport of
three homes to Noatak. He furthered that buildings no longer used
by the Red Dog Mine have been relocated to villages.
Mr. Jacko shared that employees of the Red Dog Mine who serve on
the Noatak Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) Council investigated the
possibility of connecting the DMTS to the village. He expressed
that Teck Cominco Alaska supports this venture, as it would benefit
the region. However, he pointed out Teck Cominco Alaska is not
authorized to approve this venture, which must be negotiated with
AIDEA.
Mr. Jacko reported that the primary extraction from the Red Dog
Mine is zinc, which is receiving the lowest prices since the Great
Depression.
Co-Chair Wilken relayed that in the summer of 1999 he visited the
mine as a member of a deferred maintenance task force. He was
"dumbstruck" at the extent of the facilities and the benefit they
provide to the area. He stated he utilizes this as a model of the
benefits that resource development could provide to other Alaskans.
Senator Olson spoke of a "recent betrayal" to the legislative
minority as a result of changes to taxes to the oil industry. He
stated these changes were made based on the premise that one
legislature is not bound by the actions of an earlier legislature.
He asked if the witness shares similar concerns with the possible
change to existing agreements.
Mr. Jacko agreed and expressed the elimination of the exemption
would have a financial impact on Teck Cominco Alaska. He explained
that the Borough's revenue would decrease approximately $1.2
million, which would have a "ripple effect and it will come to us."
He stressed the heavy reliance of the Borough on multiple funding
sources and that the reduction from one source would force the
Borough to generate additional funds from another, primarily Teck
Cominco Alaska.
Senator Olson asked if Teck Cominco Alaska is considering other
business ventures.
Mr. Jacko told of a draft Environmental Impact Statement study
underway on a proposed project located near Delta Junction. He
continued that the company owns additional land around the Red Dog
Mine location, although the low price of zinc makes current
development unfeasible.
Senator Olson asked who maintains the road.
Mr. Jacko responded that Teck Cominco Alaska maintains the road.
Senator Olson asked if any State funds are utilized for this
purpose, particularly in the event of major damage, such as a
washout. He indicated earlier discussion regarding a car dealer who
does not pay the maintenance expenses on roads used to transport
the vehicles it sells.
Mr. Jacko responded that if significant major damage occurred, Teck
Cominco Alaska would request funding for the repairs from AIDEA,
the amount of which would be added to the outstanding capital debt
and repaid through toll fees.
Co-Chair Wilken shared a core section of ore from the Red Dog Mine,
directing attention to the high concentration of ore.
Co-Chair Wilken reminded that the matter of the DMTS arose during
the legislative session in the year 2000 in discussions on SB 248,
relating to AIDEA and rural development. He noted a conference
committee inserted the exemption into that legislation and he
referenced May 3, 2000 minutes from that committee expressing
intent that time was needed to negotiate with the Borough to
resolve the issue. He asked the efforts of past three years to
recognize the assessor's full value determination.
Mr. Flint answered that he had been making efforts to appeal the
assessment.
Co-Chair Wilken recalled a similar matter involving the Golden
Heart, which has subsequently been decided by the Alaska Supreme
Court.
Mr. Flint commented that the Borough has no assessment structure
and that the payments are made through the pilot agreement.
Co-Chair Wilken detailed the process of appealing assessments of
his property, first to the Fairbanks North Star Borough, then to
the court if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. He pointed
out the legislature is not part of this process and asked why the
DMTS issue has not been addressed through regular court
proceedings.
Mr. Flint elaborated on the absence of a property tax structure and
ordinance in the Northwest Arctic Borough and therefore no
procedure to protest an assessment exists. He noted the Borough
challenged the assessment and reiterated the perceived economic
development policy issue, in which the legislature is a proper
forum for discussion. He noted the court is not the proper forum
for addressing economic development policies.
Co-Chair Wilken asked how the matter could be addressed in the
court system to avoid the issue arising every five years.
Mr. Van Sant told of the appeal process in which the Borough could
appeal to the Department of Community and Economic Development
commissioner then appeal further to the court. He qualified that
the Borough could not make a judicial appeal at present due to the
exemption; however, if the exemption expired, an appeal could be
made in the year 2004.
Senator Taylor suggested the Borough must first institute a
property tax and assess the amount of that tax.
Mr. Van Sant corrected that from the "State perspective" the
Borough has the authority to levy a tax after completing certain
procedures.
Senator Taylor readdressed the matter of assessing the value of the
sections of the Alyeska Pipeline that are not taxed.
Mr. Van Sant reiterated his earlier response that of the
approximately $260 million generated in property taxes from the
pipeline, approximately $40 is received by the State.
Co-Chair Wilken stated that specific data is published annually and
noted that several boroughs do not collect the full 20 mils
assessed, and that the balance is received by the State.
Senator Taylor expounded upon original legislative debate and
remarked that possessory interest was not the intent. He commented
on the collection of taxes from Greens Creek Mine by the City and
Borough of Juneau for the use of the State-owned road on Admiralty
Island. He expressed concern about future similar road projects,
suggesting they should established as nonexclusive. He asked
whether possessory interest could be determined for a party
utilizing a State-owned road to conduct business.
Mr. Van Sant answered no and stated the possessory interest would
apply in the event of a payment for an exempt use of public
property.
Senator Taylor spoke about authority granted to AIDEA through
legislation to issue bonds of up to $29 to construct a Bradfield
toll road and up to $50 million to construct the Whittier Tunnel
toll road. He asked if AIDEA funds were utilized to construct a
toll road whether commercial use of that road would be subject to a
possessory interest.
Mr. Van Sant responded that if the private entity has exclusive use
of the road, some possessory interest would probably be attached.
Senator Taylor repeated that when the DMTS was established,
legislators never assumed that utilization of the facilities would
be a taxable entity for the Borough.
MIKE BARRY, Chair, Board of Directors, Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority testified that the Red Dog Mine
project is the most successful effort of AIDEA to create economic
development. He contended that not all possessory interests are
"equal", as alluded to by Mr. Flint. Mr. Barry told of the a
facility constructed at on leased State-owned land at the Ted
Stevens Anchorage International Airport utilizing AIDEA issued
bonds borrowed by Federal Express. He explained that Federal
Express pays property taxes on this property because it has
exclusive possessory interest that grants the company all rights to
that facility. On the contrary, he remarked, the Red Dog Mine does
not have exclusivity of the DMTS.
Mr. Barry also informed of plans for expansion of the DMTS port
facility to foster significant future development, including coal
extraction. In studying this project, he relayed it was learned
that the creation of a fuel oil terminal to serve the 17
communities of the Northwest Arctic region, would be feasible. He
expressed that the cost of fuel oil to rural communities is
"probably the single greatest determent to economic development"
due to the high operating costs.
Mr. Barry next spoke to the seafood processing facility located in
Anchorage, pointing out that the Municipality of Anchorage has
several options for offsetting the revenue lost by granting the
facility a property tax exemption. He stressed that the Northwest
Arctic Borough, however has "no other avenues" to collect funding
for education programs. He emphasized the matter is not whether
other taxpayers within the Borough would bear the financial
responsibility, but rather that children would not receive an
education.
Mr. Barry warned of the economic impacts that elimination of this
exemption would create in the region. He stressed that potential
investors must consider all operating expenses compared to the
global economy. He pointed out that Teck Cominco Alaska has
contracted with AIDEA to pay all the costs to construct and
maintain the DMTS, as well as pay the Borough in lieu of taxes to
fund education. He remarked that the tax exemption therefore
demonstrates that Alaska supports "positive development."
Senator Bunde asked if an acceptable compromise would be an
extension of the exemption rather than a permanent exemption.
Mr. Barry responded that approximately 37 years remains on the
"bond life" of the DMTS debt and that the extension should be
granted at least until the debt is paid. He indicated that studies
indicate the DMTS would have a significantly longer useful life
than the terms of the debt.
Senator B. Stevens asked the party that would own the DMTS after
the debt is paid.
Mr. Barry answered AIDEA.
Co-Chair Wilken asked the position of the AIDEA Board of Directors
on this issue.
Mr. Barry informed the Board would meet at the end of the current
month and would address the issue.
Co-Chair Wilken asked the best way to resolve this matter.
Mr. Barry responded that a long term exemption would be in the best
interest of AIDEA and of economic development, as "the world would
know what the facts are going to be." He cautioned that it would
not be beneficial to "tie up the resources" of the Borough, which
has "meager resources" nor the operator "that's under a great deal
of stress in the global market today" to undergo a litigation
process.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if the pilot agreement, which expires in the
year 2012, is available for renegotiation if necessary.
Mr. Barry was not familiar with the terms of the agreement.
Senator Taylor assumed if the exemption were not extended, AIDEA
would seriously consider whether to finance additional improvements
in the area.
Mr. Barry responded that the matter would be considered, although
he could not predict to what extent. He stressed the biggest
problem would be the uncertainty that a removal of the exemption
would create.
Senator B. Stevens asked the terms of the agreement for the DMTS
between AIDEA and Teck Cominco Alaska. He understood that
possessory interest stipulates an exclusive use and asked if such
is contained in the DMTS agreement.
Mr. Barry replied that a toll use agreement is a more appropriate
characterization of the contractual agreement. He furthered that
Tech Cominco Alaska has agreed to pay fees to AIDEA for the use of
the DMTS, which over the life of the facilities would amortize the
full cost of construction and operation of the facilities.
Senator B. Stevens reiterated his understanding that possessory
interest is contingent upon exclusive rights.
Mr. Barry stated the DMTS agreement is nonexclusive.
Co-Chair Wilken announced his intent to hold the bill in Committee.
Senator Bunde indicated Amendment #1, which he sponsored, was
submitted to him by Teck Cominco Alaska as a compromise between the
"need for predictability and a total exemption". This amendment he
stated would extend the exemption to the year 2012.
Co-Chair Wilken assured resolution to this matter would be
forthcoming.
Senator Taylor expressed that rather than dealing with the DMTS as
an isolated case, he would consider State policy on taxation "to
equalize across the board and across the State the manners and
methods of taxation and exemptions there from that we give."
Senator Bunde informed that while he supports the Red Dog Mine
project the exemption is not without cost and he therefore opposes
a permanent exemption. He explained that currently, the exemption
costs other school districts approximately $300,000 per year,
equaling approximately $60,000 per school district.
SFC 03 # 50, Side A 10:40 AM
Co-Chair Wilken commented that it is not beneficial to the industry
or to the Northwest Arctic Borough to reargue the issue every five
years.
[The bill was subsequently HELD in Committee.]
RECESS 10:42 AM / 2:05 PM
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 41(JUD)
"An Act relating to medical care and crimes relating to
medical care, including medical care and crimes relating to
the medical assistance program, catastrophic illness
assistance, and medical assistance for chronic and acute
medical conditions."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
[Note: Due to an audio malfunction a portion of the meeting was not
recorded.]
Co-Chair Green, sponsor, read her testimony into the record as
follows.
Why do we need SB 41?
· The cost of the Medicaid program in Alaska has increased an
average of 20% per year since 1999, growing the program
from $396 million in FY 99 to $936 million in FY 04 (a
total increase of $540 million over 5 years).
· We have limited ability to contain the majority of cost
factors driving these increases, such as the increasing
number of eligible recipients, the increased use of health
services, and the rising costs of prescription drugs and
long-term care.
· There is evidence that waste, fraud and abuse of public
funds used to deliver Medicaid and Medicare services
exists, both in Alaska and throughout the nation.
Estimates of 7% for waste and 10% for abuse are commonly
held perceptions.
· Alaska has no specific laws tailored toward health care
crimes, making it difficult to prosecute dishonest Medicaid
providers and keep them from continuing to abuse the
system.
· The Division of Legislative Audit recently released their
audit on the Division of Medical Assistance Internal
Control Over Medicaid Payments. Two recommendations from
the audit are addressed by this legislation:
o Recommendation No. 7 states: "DMA's director
should provide for a full-time, ongoing service
provider audit function."
o Recommendation No. 12 states: "The legislature
should consider adopting specific criminal
statutes related to Medicaid fraud to enhance the
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's effectiveness."
According to the audit, 46 other states have some form of
criminal Medicaid fraud statutes.
What does SB 41 Do?
· It requires DHSS to contract for annual independent
financial audits to identify errors, overpayments, and
criminal violations within the Medicaid program.
· These audits complete the communication loop between DHSS
and Law:
o All audits will be provided to the Attorney General
for possible criminal investigation.
o The Attorney General will notify DHSS of any
criminal charges brought against a Medicaid
provider.
o All criminal charges will result in a complete review
of outstanding claims with DHSS.
· It establishes the crime of medical assistance fraud
defined with the culpable mental state of "knowingly and
recklessly". It classifies the level of crime as a felony
or misdemeanor based upon the aggregate value of charges
similar to existing theft statutes.
· It provides a definition of "medical purpose" in relation
to prescribing a controlled substance. The definition
provides a framework within which a prosecuting attorney
can argue whether a practitioner prescribed a drug for a
medical purpose or for another purpose.
· It allows the commissioner to exclude a person convicted of
medical assistance fraud from participation in the medical
assistance program for a period up to 10 years following
their unconditional discharge from sentence served.
Senator Taylor asked if this legislation provides for a "paper
audit" or just a field audit.
Co-Chair Green responded that this requires that at least .75
percent of the total number of providers are audited each year. She
stated this is more than the current number of audits conducted and
also provides a "higher level of investigation". She furthered that
the legislation would require the Department to follow up on audit
findings and also requires communication between the Department of
Law and the Department of Health and Social Services regarding
providers that have been prosecuted and found to be not in
compliance. She informed that in the past, lapses in this
communication have occurred between the two departments. She
stressed that this legislation would stop the Medicaid
participation of those providers found guilty of Medicaid fraud.
Senator Taylor relayed that "a member of the medical community"
indicated to him that an occasional comparison of a provider's
claims to other claims would identify any irregularities that would
warrant a complete audit. Senator Taylor requested assurances that
the Department would conduct these reviews.
Co-Chair Green assured this was her understanding.
STEVE BRANCHFLOWER, Director, Office of Victims' Rights, and former
Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Department of Health
and Social Services, testified via teleconference from an off net
site that he was available to answer questions.
RANDALL SCHLAPIA, Unit Manager, Provider Review and Rate Setting,
Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Social
Services testified via teleconference from an offnet location that
he was also available to answer questions.
JACK NIELSON, Executive Director, Medicaid Rate Advisory
Commission, Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health
and Social Services testified via teleconference from an offnet
location that he was also available to answer questions.
DON KITCHEN, Assistant Attorney General, Medicaid Provider Fraud,
Office of Special Prosecutions and Appeals, Criminal Division,
Department of Law, testified via teleconference from an offnet
location that he was also available to answer questions.
Senator Olson asked the percentage of the audits conducted that
have resulted in questionable or egregious practices.
Mr. Branchflower responded that between July 1998 and December
2002, during his tenure at the Medicaid Fraud Unit, the Division of
Medicaid Assistance contracted with a national accounting firm to
conduct 164 audits at a cost of $477,250. As a result of the
findings of the audits, he informed that $2,741,126 was recovered
and returned to the State. He further told of eight outstanding
cases at the time he left the Unit, with an additional $18 million
identified as overpayments. He concluded that the audits were cost
effective and he therefore encouraged passage of the bill.
Senator Taylor repeated Senator Olson's question of the percentage
of audits resulting in identification of fraud or questionable
practices.
Mr. Branchflower replied that 85 percent of the audits did not find
conduct that would merit criminal prosecution, although in almost
all the cases, some overpayment was identified. He stated that in
some instances, substantial overpayment was identified and because
no criminal wrongdoing was determined, these cases were referred to
the Division of Medical Assistance for the initiation of an
administration recovery, as required under federal regulations. He
was unaware of the status of the administrative recovery cases.
Senator Taylor clarified that approximately 75 to 80 percent of the
audits found some overpayment was made and the remaining 15 percent
warranted an additional criminal investigation.
Mr. Branchflower affirmed.
Senator Olson asked the number of providers charged were appealing
the findings of their audit.
Mr. Branchflower told of two doctors convicted and imprisoned who
are currently appealing their cases.
Senator Olson asked if the sponsor received input on this
legislation from health care providers.
Co-Chair Green answered that she has received "very little" such
input.
Amendment #1: This amendment changes the definition of "claim"
under Sec. 47.05.290. Definitions., in Section 3 of the committee
substitute on page 6 lines 4 - 8. The amended language reads as
follows.
(2) "claim" includes a request for payment for
medical assistance services under applicable state or federal
law or regulations, whether the request is in an electronic
format or paper format, or both;
This amendment also inserts "or medical services", and replaces
"available to a medical assistance recipient" with "that may
qualify for reimbursement under AS 47.07 or AS 47.08" on page 7
lines 6 and 7 in Section 3 of the committee substitute. The amended
language of Sec. 47.05.290. Definitions., reads as follows.
(17) "services or medical services" means a health
care benefit that may qualify for reimbursement under AS 47.07
or AS 47.08, including health care benefits provided,
attempted to be provided, or claimed to have been provided to
another, by a medical assistance provider, or "services" as
defined in AS 11.81.900;
Co-Chair Green moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Wilken objected for an explanation.
ANNE CARPENETI, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division,
Department of Law, noted a typographical error in the amendment.
Co-Chair Green offered a motion to amend the amendment to insert
"assistance" following "medical" in Sec. 47.05.290(17) to read as
follows.
(17) "services or medical assistance services" means
a health care benefit that may qualify for reimbursement under
AS 47.07 or AS 47.08, including health care benefits provided,
attempted to be provided, or claimed to have been provided to
another, by a medical assistance provider, or "services" as
defined in AS 11.81.900;
The amendment was AMENDED without objection.
Ms. Carpeneti then spoke to the amendment, noting that the
clarification of a definition of "claim" is preferable in criminal
statute, as the common definition of the word is different than
that applied to a Medicaid claim.
Ms. Carpeneti furthered that the clarification of "services or
medical services" is necessary because other services may qualify
for reimbursement under the law, but are not necessarily available
to a Medicaid eligible recipient. She exampled oxygen bottles.
Co-Chair Wilken clarified the witness supported the amendment
Ms. Carpeneti affirmed.
There was no objection and the amended Amendment #1 was ADOPTED.
Senator Taylor offered a motion to report the committee substitute,
as amended, from Committee with individual recommendations and
accompanying fiscal note.
Without objection CS SS SB 41 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with
fiscal note #1 for $66,500 from the Department of Health and Social
Services.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 02:20 PM.
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