06-02-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—June 2, 2014 4304 Rush River Township 6% Residential Warren Township 6% Residential Watson Township 6% Residential Wheatland Township 8% Residential and 5% Commercial Mr. Klein discussed a request from Rollin and Jeanne Johnson, 211 Hackberry Court in Kindred, to review their assessment. They recently purchased the property for $160,000, and it is currently assessed at $207,500. He visited the property and said the sale was a distressed or liquidation sale. He recommends the value be lowered to $190,700 based on design and appeal features that are lacking. The homeowners have been notified of the recommendation and are in agreement with the proposed valuation. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded that the assessment for Rollin and Jeanne Johnson for property located at 211 Hackberry Court in Kindred be reduced to $190,700 as recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein discussed an appeal from Michael and Pamela McNair, 12 Broadway, Unit 203 in Fargo. The property is located in a downtown condominium project built in 2005. The owners said their assessment increased from $219,200 to $266,400 for 2014. Mr. McNair was present and said a 22% increase in value is excessive. He referred to larger units with more amenities in their complex that are valued less per square foot than his property. He wants to be assessed fairly and is requesting a decrease in valuation. Ben Huschka, Fargo City Assessor, was present. He said downtown loft condos are not a typical property and since 2011, there have been only 15 sales of downtown loft condo units of similar size in square footage. He said three units in the complex with similar layouts have virtually the same valuation—the McNair property is one of the three units referred to by Mr. Huschka. Mr. Peterson said costs were the same per square foot to build the neighboring units, and the other units may be under assessed. He believes the value on the McNair property is most likely correct. Mr. Klein suggested in his recommendation that the assessment be upheld, and that the higher end condominium values be reviewed to ensure the amenities and other features are taken into account in the assessments. MOTION, passed Mrs. Scherling moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the appeal be denied for Michael and Pamela McNair on property located at 12 Broadway Unit 203 in Fargo as recommended by the Fargo City Assessor and Director of Equalization. Discussion: Mr. Peterson supports the motion, but struggles with the values on the other condominiums being significantly under assessed. Mr. Pawluk said the taxpayer has the option to appeal his assessment to the State Board of Equalization. Mrs. Scherling believes the assessment on the McNair property is fair; however, the rest of the building is not fairly assessed and she supports a review of the other units. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.