South Beach Marina, Inc. v. Department of Revenue

The central issue in this case concerns the availability of an exemption from ad valorem property tax for property owned by a port district and leased to a private marina. The taxing authorities denied the exemption. The Oregon Tax Court affirmed the denial of the exemption. Upon review anew upon the record, we reverse.

Because of the somewhat lengthy cast of players in this tax proceeding, it may be helpful first to identify the participants. The owner of the subject real property is the Port of Newport (the Port). The lessee of the property is a corporation, South Beach Marina, Inc. (the…