06-03-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 3, 2002 2452 Wanda Wilcox, West Fargo City Assessor, was present and said she can produce sales figures to substantiate that property has sold for 61, 78 and 94 cents per square foot in this area. The price per square foot on Mr. Hofer's property is 50 cents, based on the new valuation. She said she does not have the information with her today because she was not aware of the appeal prior to today's meeting. Another person in the audience said he attended the equalization meeting to see how the board would handle Mr. Hofer's appeal because he has a similar situation. He did not wish to address the board. Rodney Thompson, 842 1ih Avenue East in West Fargo, was present to appeal his assessment, which went from $107,700 last year to $125,800 this year. He thought the increase was too large since no improvements were made to the property. Ms. Wilcox said this property is in Meyer's Second Subdivision, which was part of a mass reappraisal last year, and the property owners did receive notices of the increase. The board suggested that Mr. Thompson meet with the West Fargo Assessor to review comparable sales figures, and he was in agreement to meet with Ms. Wilcox. Mr. Klein asked if anyone else was present in regard to the equalization of taxes in cities, and not hearing from anyone, the board next addressed the equalization of townships. Steve Richard, 6220 North 1ih in Highland Park, Reed Township, was present to appeal his assessment, which was raised from $119,000 to $152,800. He agreed there should be some increase because the lower level of the home was finished since the time of the previous assessment; however, he thought the assessed value should be $130,000- 135,000. He said a realtor valued the property at $144,900. Mr. Klein said Mr. Richard should have attended the township board of equalization meeting and talked to the local assessor about the basis of her increase in valuation. Since Mr. Klein was not aware of the appeal ahead of time, he was not prepared to give the board a recommendation on this property. Mr. Wieland suggested that Mr. Richard meet with the local assessor or township supervisors; and if he still feels the assessment is too high, he could file an application for abatement of taxes at a later time. Mr. Wieland asked if anyone else was present to appeal their tax assessment, and no one addressed the board at this time. He called for further questions or motions from the board. MOTION, failed Mr. Meyer moved to postpone raising the valuation on the Del Hofer property in West Fargo until a decision is made on the proposed Main Avenue road construction project. The chajrman called for a second to the motion, and hearing none, declared the motion failed for lack of a second. Mrs. Schneider asked what action Mr. Klein would recommend on the three appeals made today. If the board takes no action on the appeals, Mr. Klein said the valuation would remain at the amount set by the local city or township equalization board. A motion is needed if the board intends to lower any of these assessments. Assistant State's Attorney, Wade Webb, was in agreement with Mr. Klein. Mr. Wagner said it is important for the property owners to know how difficult it is for the county board to make a decision when the appeal was not made to the local board first, which would have allowed an exchange of information from both sides.