06-05-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 5,2000 2130 Concerning equalization of cities, Mr. Klein is recommending an increase in six cities within Cass County in order to maintain equity among the jurisdictions and to bring the assessments within the allowed tolerance by the State Board of Equalization, which is 95% -105% of the average sales prices. Mr. Meyer invited comments from the Board or from the audience on the equalization of cities. Hearing none, the Board proceeded. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Koenig seconded that residential lot and structure values be raised in the following cities in the amounts listed below: Motion carried unanimously. Casselton City 6% Kindred City 6% Amenia City 6% Tower City 6% Oxbow City 6% Harwood City 2% Mr. Klein did not recommend any mass increase in township valuations at this time, however, he received a few individual appeals and the Board proceeded to hear those. The first appeal was submitted by Wayne Glemming for property located in Tower Township. Mr. Klein recommended that the county grant Mr. Glemming's request that portions of his property be classified as inundated land. He said the property has numerous areas of standing water, according to an aerial photograph submitted by Mr. Glemming; and ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) aerial maps of Sections 5 and 8 show areas designated with a "w" for wetlands. The appeal was denied by the Tower Township Board of Equalization, therefore, Mr. Klein notified Tower Township officials of his recommendation to the County Board of Equalization. Mark Johnson, Chairman of the Tower Township Board of Tax Equalization, was present and addressed the board at this time. He said the Township Board of Equalization denied the appeal because Mr. Glemming is receiving payment from the United States Department of Agriculture Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it is believed his farming practices contribute to poor drainage. Mr. Johnson also said other taxpayers share more of the tax burden when some landowners do not pay their taxes. Mr. Klein said CRP lands tend to cause problems for the local officials as far as snow removal and weed control, however, the inundated land law makes no mention to lands in CRP. He has an opinion from the Attorney General that these lands would be eligible for reclassification under State law. Commissioners were aware of the Attorney General's opinion and also understand the reluctance of township officials to reduce taxes on some property under the law. Mr. Wieland said this law has caused similar concerns throughout the State, and Mr. Meyer believes it will be an issue in the next legislative session. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Wieland seconded that the valuation be reduced to $35,400 on the NW 1/4 of Section 5; to $52,000 on the SW 1/4 of Section 5; and to $34,800 on the NW 1/4 of Section 8, all being in Tower Township. Motion carried unanimously.