09-17-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 17, 2001 2351 13. ABATEMENT APPLICATIONS, Aooroved for Keith & Judy Hawkins Francis Klein, Director ofT ax Equalization, presented a written report on his investigation of the Application for Abatement and Settlement of Taxes submitted by Keith and Judy Hawkins. He said the applicants are asking that the valuation on their residence located at 1327 Cossette Drive, in Stanley Township, be reduced for the past two years, from $163,800 to $142,700 in 1999 and from $167,100 to $146,000 in 2000. In a letter from Mr. Hawkins, which was attached to the abatement application, he requested a refund of $3,000 and was present today indicating he feels a refund is justified because the township assessor's information concerning the square footage of the home was incorrect and the property is over-assessed compared to other homes in the neighborhood. Mr. Hawkins said he has been trying to correct the assessor's information since 1997, however, Mr. Klein said State law only allows the county to grant an abatement for the two most current years. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded that abatement #4201 and #4202 be approved for Keith & Judy Hawkins, as recommended by Stanley Township and the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 14. ABATEMENT APPLICATION, Denied for Wavne Miller Francis Klein, Director of Tax Equalization, presented a written report on his investigation of the Application for Abatement and Settlement of Taxes submitted by Wayne Miller. He said the applicant is asking that the residential structure valuation of $38,600 on Lot 2, Block 25, Egbert /'""' O'Neil and Haggerts Addition to the City of Fargo be removed from the tax roll for the year 2000. He purchased the property in July, 2000, and later moved the structures to another location. Under North Dakota law, properties are assessed as of February 1st each year. Based upon information available to the Fargo Assessment Department, they recommend denial of the abatement request and believe the established appraised value of $38,600 is reasonable. Fargo Assessor Ben Hushka was present to answer any questions. Wayne Miller contacted Mr. Klein and presented a letter concerning his property in the City of Fargo. In the letter, Mr. Miller indicated he had a conflict that prevented him from attending today's meeting. Since the home was located on the property as of February 1, 2000, and the applicant states the purchase price was $43,500 in July, 2000, Mr. Wieland believes the valuation of $38,600 is a fair assessment. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Wagner seconded that abatement #4204 be denied for Wayne Miller, based upon the information contained in the Fargo Assessor's report and the Director of Equalization report. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 15. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Joint Dowers aareement for olannina and zonina delaved Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present to discuss a proposed joint powers agreement for - planning and zoning authority over 80 acres of land in Barnes Township. The Commission tabled the matter at its September 4th meeting until such time as a recently appointed subdivision review committee has an opportunity to meet and begin reviewing county policy on new subdivisions. Mr. Wieland is concerned about being asked to provide additional services and improvements on County Highway 17 for this new subdivision in Barnes Township.