Weather
New ABT Property-Tax Exemption Controversy Now Before City AssessorThe blogger who started the controversy says she does not know whether it was illegal for Allen Prevo's house to be taken off the municipal tax rolls.Should all housing associated with the Anchorage Baptist Temple be tax-exempt? That's a question being raised following a divorce case involving the son of ABT’s head pastor, Jerry Prevo. The city assessor is looking into it as the story is spreading throughout the blogosphere. The blogger who started the controversy says she does not know whether it was illegal for Allen Prevo's house to be taken off the municipal tax rolls. But she says there's reason for the public to be asking questions -- and for the Legislature to revisit some exemptions it granted five years ago. Allen and Holly Prevo lived for years in a house on the east side, near the Anchorage Baptist Temple, where Allen's father, Jerry, perhaps the most influential religious figure in Alaska, disseminates his conservative gospel-based messages. Now Allen and Holly Prevo are divorcing. The filings in the contested case have included arguments about division of property, bringing up the status of the couple's home. That caught the attention of blogger Melissa Green, co-editor of the website Bent Alaska, which specializes in opinion for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Alaskans. Green is raising a question about what properties should be eligible for the municipal property-tax exemption. "They're getting city services and they're not paying for any of it." Allen Prevo is identified by ABT as an ordained minister. His primary duties involve audio-visual operations, including the television broadcasts of church services. Green says she's skeptical the junior Prevo qualifies for tax-exempt religious housing. "Now whether other people would consider them to be a minister, that's a different question. And as what I saw in the court file was that, Allen Prevo has a high school degree -- there's nothing to indicate that he has gone to any college, graduate school, seminary, and yet he is somehow an ordained minister." Green's blog post early this week, including excerpts from court documents that were made confidential after she had seen them, jumped from liberal website to liberal website, with Phil Munger at Progressive Alaska even alleging that a crime had been committed. Green zeroes in on part of the trial transcript in which presiding Judge Frank Pfiffner is quoted as saying to Prevo attorney Wayne Anthony Ross: "I'm willing to have you explain a lot more but if there was a tax appraiser or a reporter from the Anchorage Daily News, things would not look good." A spokeswoman for Mayor Dan Sullivan says the city assessor is reviewing the record. Assemblyman Paul Honeman, who objects to the un-funded state mandate for the church-related exemptions, says important questions have been raised. "Specifically as it relates to a person who is supposed to be -- definition -- meeting the exemption as a minister, if in this particular case turns out to be not fitting the criteria, then it should go back on the tax rolls and we should be looking at back-dating that period we can prove isn't so." Rev. Prevo was out of town and could not be reached for comment. Divorce attorney Ross did not return calls seeking comment. Blogger Green says the junior Prevo's housing arrangement should be cause for the Legislature to revisit a 2006 law in which exemptions were broadened. "I can only see what I see as someone who pays attention to detail and hope that people who understand that stuff better than I do will take a good look at it and really scrutinize it and find out if there is anything wrong going on." Part of the confusion is that Ross' court filing on Allen Prevo's behalf says that he and Holly built up some equity in the house, even though it was furnished by ABT. The city assessor is expected to conclude the review next week.
|
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
word is said on Wednesday, Aug 31 at 9:43 PM
ABT needs an audit as the word is the monies for ABT were divereted to other accounts... I would start with that and see what is confessed... yeah right...
73219829Confession Is Good said on Thursday, Sep 1 at 6:54 PM
Confession is good for the soul... but to hear those flying ab$tin3nc3 m0nk3y$ tell it.. God is suffering a horrible cash shortage.... ohhhh Lordy... can I get an amen?? ... Must be tough to live on what the Lord allows young master Allen and young miss Holly to live on... but to claim tax exempt cult property as their own seems to violate the spirit of the exemption for the humble rectory of the head priestcrafter... LATER: I am now assured that even the cult janitors have tax exemptions ... this priestcrafter must be as powerful as the scientologists or the moonies... so be careful.. if we get a 'dominionist' president in 2012... those who are calling for this powerful cult priestcrafter to pay his fair share of taxes might find themselves being rounded up and sent to 're-education camps' where you will be shown the error of your ways with a reading from the book and a laying on of the hands.
73267584Mike Adams said on Friday, Sep 2 at 1:38 AM
On the MOA Property Tax website, ABT had some 25 properties listed for tax exemption. Even properties that they were renting some or all of it out for profit. So I agree that an audit should be made. Being a Bible preaching, God loving/God fearing church they shouldn't be afraid. Also thinking that there's something funny going on at ABT with what seems to be the loose definition of what a 'minister' of the church is. Heck, I can become an ordained minister online for $20 or so. Are they trying to say that Allen was the Minister or Audio/Visual? And with Allen and wife primary occupants of the house, how does that qualify for tax exempt? Wonder if Allen Prevo or ABT is formally listed as the property owner, which might just open up another box of worms? But, as proven in the past, if anyone tries to investigate these assorted legal questions, the good 'church' threatens to make things miserable for all the other area churches.
73274579Mike J said on Friday, Sep 2 at 4:12 AM
After reviewing the info on the Bent Alaska page, found interesting that ABT is listed as the owner of the house, and has a verbal agreement with Allen Prevo for paying rent from his housing allowance. Wondering hos a 'church' owns houses and rents them out? Thinking the Tax Exempt benefit was meant for those that owned their own home but who worked for the church as minister, etc. ABT looking more and more like a corporation every day.
73277623They Are A Cult said on Friday, Sep 2 at 10:10 AM
They are not a people of God. They have faith in satan... but none in God. Their congregation would rather pay to have someone else do their praying for them. They are a satanic cult with a long and troubled history with APD over the years. Check it out. I post the following so those who attend ABT might know themselves... their leadership are ravening wolves in expensive suits and fine palaces .. but not men of God The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, NKJV).
73298378Sylvia Matthews said on Friday, Sep 2 at 11:45 AM
My primary thought on this is why should that church, and really any church have assets (which are the property of the congregation) that aren't used for helping real homeless and hungry people? Even if said churches have some program or other in place for that it can't possibly compare to the money spent for the conviniences of the church employees. I can barely believe that what is spent on building a church from the ground up and living in nice houses and driving luxury cars while so many people are homeless and hungry can be justified? Those Prevos should be ashamed of themselves.
73303143Jeannie Lee said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 9:19 AM
Hope it dosen't turn out to be another "JIM BAKER".....fiasco. Its really a shame.
73337404Totally Ashamed and Disgusted said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 9:50 AM
Sadly, I'm not at all surprised. If the officials look deeper, they will also find much more. How can a millionaire, made on the backs of tithes and offerings, hold up his head in the presence of his congregants. Jim Bakker comes to mind!!! Wonder how much is given to the poor and to missions. Total disgust. Auditors need to look at this chuch from top to bottom. Even they will be surprise at what they find!!!!!
73338418What goes around....comes around said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 10:21 AM
Few years back, a wonderful couple that worked on staff at the church 24/7, had two little children, but were financially strapped with the small incomes they made. The wife ask the pastor for a 10 cent an hour raise, he refused.So for the entire summer she had to cut lawns for extra income.besides doing all her church work. Prevo & Carol come from Tennessee,and a poor life. Seems he has forgotten his roots and how hard life could be. He apparently has no empathy, which is quite sad.Greed does alot to peoplr. The couple still worked for the church as they felt they worked for GOD, no Prevo.
73339307What the ???? said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 11:12 AM
How about the house with a pool in Mesa,AZ? Churches or Prevo's?
73340989The LOVE of Money is the root of all EVIL in churches. said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 12:45 PM
There was a couple that spent 15-20 years in the church before moving out of state.They were one of the largest tithers in the chuch as he worked in the oil fields.The were totally dedicated to the church seven days a week & did not receive a salary. Prior to leaving Alaska he ask the preacher for a job until he had everthing in order to move. The preacher complied, but later something came up that required him to stay in Alaska a few months longer. HHe ask the preacher for a few month extention, the preacher refused. He said His heart said "YES", but his Financial mind said "NO". What a way to treat members of the congregation that are so loyal for so many years. Its LOVE OF MONEY!
73343956BEGGING FOR MORE said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 1:03 PM
While we were statined in the Army in Alaska a few years, we went to ABT. We enjoyed it, the sermons were bible taught. However one thing that really bothered us was that every year one of the male staff members (won't mention names) got up in front of the congregation as not to feel tion to request that donations be given to the Preacher & his wife for all the hard work they did.The request was quite strong, making one feel very uncomfortable by the way it was requested. Many felt they HAD to donate to this "great cause"and the majority was hard working famlies with kids.That was in such bad taste,if anyone wanted to give him a bonus or gift or show appreciation, it should have been by a church pot luck dinner, or just individuals that had the choice to send a card. NOT by BEGGING! One year, Carol got a new small car!!!Hows that for squeezing blood out of turnips??
73344508BEGGING FOR MORE!!! said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 1:09 PM
While we were stationed in the Army in Alaska in the 80s, we went to ABT. Enjoyed the services, bible taught.One thing did bother us. Once a year one of the male staff members got up front and requested that the congregation give a donation for the "Prevo appreciation" fund. Many people had famlies and couldn't ever afford a yearly vacation.However the way it was purposed, you felt obligated to give. In my opinion they should have had a "POT LUCK" dinner for them or have each individual give IF they so choosed.It was pretty sad to see that with ALL this man had, he felt he deserved more.If someone wanted to send him a card, bake a pie, or just say thanks, should have been enough. I don't know if this ritual is still going on, but have not seen it in the other churches we attend. One year Carol Prevo got a NEW small car. Thats just obscene!
73344692LOOP HOLES, LOOP HOLE, OH THE LOVE OF LOOP HOLES said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 1:32 PM
I guess if you look hard enough, you can find many ways to enrich your pockets. While no one is above reproach, as we are all sinners "SAVED BY GRACE",we all sin and fall short of GODS glory,when it comes down to the final point, is it worth it? Integrity and hosesty are what counts. You can call it anything you want, but if you misrepresent yourself,especially when it come to money, that is just a sad state of affairs. Prevo isen't hurting for anything. He has two homes, new cars, travels on vacations twice a year,buys anything he desires, Carol is spoiled to the "T", and he is still working around paying his fair share of taxes like the rest of us. NOT a good example from a preacher to say the least.Shame!!
73345397Answer to Totally ashamed & Disgusted said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 1:42 PM
Yes, the church has "MISSION" offerings, that total in the thousands of dollars. It is for one purpose only "MISSIONARIES", that need the money desperatly.Does it find its way to the missionaries ONLY? NO! They get a pitance of the alotted money and the rest is a slush fund for other things. What? I don't know, only know the missionaries are lucky to get even a small part of what is rightfully theirs, as to what the people donate for that purpose.
73345719Mike J. said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 7:00 PM
Seems to be an overly generous verbal agreement between ABT (Jerry Prevo) and Allen Prevo. Sweet deal with no nasty paper trail. It says that Allen receives the equity on the house, but wondering if ABT doesn't play with the numbers, too? Home many other homes like this does the 'church' own?
73354728C. Cunningham said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 9:37 AM
All you members of ABT, don't be discouraged about all the money you gave to the church through tithes and offerings. You gave it for the right reason, "GOD". The fact that it was used to enrich someones life style,enhance his pocket book, is NOT your problem. You gave in good faith, the fact Prevo got outrageous raises (vote byt he Prevo committee) is immaterial. They really ahd no choice, IF they were to keep jobs.He may not be fair in the workers wages,but GOD will reward them some day. Its not over until its over.
73371762James Burns said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 9:56 AM
How can someone have equity in a home, that is OWNED by the church his father is pastor of? Especially if rent is NOT paid. Makes no sense.
73372292Larry Johnson said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 10:30 AM
If Allen is an ordained Minister, he would have a certificate or something, right? Where did he aquire this title? Did he get it on line? For $20.00 you can get most any kind of certificate. Sounds kinda goofy to me.What did he minister in his rodainship? (If that is even a correct word)?
73373364Mike A. said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 11:38 PM
What would Jesus do? What would Jesus think?
73390766CURIOUS GEORGE said on Monday, Sep 5 at 11:46 AM
What kind of "EXAMPLE" is Prevo setting for the Children in his Christian school? Its ok to NOT pay taxes? Prior the laws were housing exemptions for pastors, bishops, ect that lived in church property owned by the church. Prevo had Glen Clary go to the legislature and get the law changed to include "teachers for the same exemptions, so he wouldn't have to pay property tax on the houses the church owned.What kind of "shenanigan is that? Why didn't he go himself? Sending a messanger for the dirty work. This is totally our rageous. Maybe the IRS needs to check all this funny money book keeping out, don't your thinK
73408558James Burn said on Monday, Sep 5 at 11:52 AM
Just finished reading "DOCUMENTED" proof of some of the allegations,NOT written by Melissa Green, but actual people that had close ties to ABT. One was a Military Officer that worked for Prevo, years past.Much are the actual court documents. You NEED to read them Go to "Anchorag Melissa Green, then clik on Bent Alaska.I DO NOT condone Green's life style, but what she has found out is very eye opening.
73408764Oh Boy! Watch out! said on Wednesday, Sep 7 at 4:19 PM
HERE COMES "I.R.S."
73515119Radio station program said on Thursday, Sep 8 at 8:09 AM
Prevo has a radio station program, that he speaks from. Its called "Bible Principals to Live By", my question is............"IS HE"?
73544092joe said on Friday, Sep 9 at 4:21 AM
wow, I wish people would get this upset over how the government handles the money taken out of their paychecks. And leave Churches alone!! If I want my pastor to drive a nice car with bullet prof windows or live in a high fence to protect him and his wife from hate crimes It's my money after IRS taxes I'm free to give it to the church and they can do what they want with it as long as it does not support the gay life style or meth labs or prostitution.
73584222IF ITS HONEST MONEY said on Friday, Sep 9 at 11:56 AM
If you EARN the money you spend, then what ever you do with it is your business.HOWEVER if some of the money you get is NOT up and up, fair & square, and received by a fraudulant manner, it is NOT ok. All people in Alaska pay property tax.BUT, Prevo got Glen Clary to go to the Legislature and get the prior law changed to included people that were NOT exempt before. "TEACHERS" For a church house to be exempt from MOA property tax, the individuals that lived in the CHurch tax exempt house, MUST be a pastor, clergy, minister, Bishop, priest, ect.It did NOT include Teachers!That is out right deceit, no questions about it. Prevo gets thousands of dollars yearly from this revised law and it will no doubt be investigated and may well cause other churches to loose their tax exempt status. The tithes, offerings,and all the tax exemptions that this church brings in, is legal only to the point that the laws aren't redesigned for certain people with alot of political connections!
73608209BY THE WAY...... said on Friday, Sep 9 at 5:41 PM
One of the individuals living in one of the churches tax exempt properties at one time, was one of the churches Janitors. WONDER IF HE WAS ORDAINED AS WELL? Maybe Prevo gave him an honorary title? Look up on the internet, Mel Green, then go to Bent Alaska. You will see all the documents and information from court they were able to find out.
73619849ABT supporter said on Monday, Sep 12 at 10:41 PM
Our church has and will always have open doors...before you speak of that which you don't know try attending a church service where you too can blessed by the word of God. God bless Dr.Prevo and his congregation for having the guts to stand up for what's right and for taking a stand against ungodly behavior. This is nothing but a mud slinging session by those trying to damage Dr. Prevo's reputation as a way to distract from the real issues at hand. ABT will continue to fight the moral fight.
73727292'TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE" said on Tuesday, Sep 13 at 12:46 PM
When wealth is gone, LITTLE is lost,When health is gone, something is lost, BUT.....when "CHARACTER" is gone, "ALL IS LOST".Character is INTERGITY.....FOR EVERYONE.No exceptions.Let no one FOOl themselves.....TRUTH always comes out!
73760797Real Issues? Try truth! said on Wednesday, Sep 14 at 8:13 AM
Some may be trying to distract from the main "ISSUE" which is, "DOES Prevo get special tax deductions by fradulant means?" If he got a law passed by the legislature to have "Teachers" included in the housing owned by the church, for monatary gain, then it is.Other churches were unaware of it, and now many may suffer the consequences of his doing. All the tax exemptions for churches coukd be taken away. Ambition has a dark side, and often has more to do with "ELEVATING SELF" than with accomplishing something nobel for others.He should lay aside the weight of the sin that ensnares him......money and power.
73802007Add a comment
Most Popular