06-02-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 2, 2003 2596 Mr. Klein said he is recommending that the county board of equalization raise the residential lot and structure values in several townships and cities, according to the list in his May 23rd letter. The county's sales/ratio study for residential property in rural Cass County indicates non-compliance with the 95%-105% tolerance allowed by the State Board of Equalization. The suggested changes would bring the county within an acceptable tolerance. In addition, he recommended that Cass County approve several inundated land classifications. Also, several taxpayers from a rural township have asked Cass County to review the residential assessments for inequities, and individual increases will likely be recommended. Mr. Klein suggested notifying individuals affected by this review, and the board of equalization would then be reconvened on June 16th. The chairman announced the first order of business is the equalization of cities, and the board began with individual appeals. The City of Fargo Assessment Office provided copies of two letters sent to them, via fax, just prior to today's meeting of the county board of equalization from Marvin F. Poer & Company, representing CP Limited Partnership. This appeal involves both the Buena Vista and the Meadow Park mobile home properties. Fargo City Assessor Ben Hushka said all of the mobile home parks were reappraised this year, and there were some substantial increases. He said this year's assessment for Buena Vista is still one million dollars below what the property actually sold for in 1994 and Meadow Park was sold in November, 1994, for the amount of the new value. He said the taxpayer did not appear before the city board of equalization; however, they could follow the abatement process if they wish to pursue the matter. Mr. Wagner asked if the property owner, or a representative, was present, and no one addressed the board at this time. Mr. Klein suggested following the recommendation of the Fargo Assessor's Office because the property owner has not provided any information showing the assessment is incorrect. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to deny the appeal for the Buena Vista and Meadow Park mobile home parks, as recommended by the County Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Ruth Fossum, 1206 2nd Avenue South, was present to appeal the assessment on her home in the City of Fargo. She said she was informed earlier this year that her taxes would be increased by about 50%, and a next-door neighbor received the same notice on her property. They both requested a reassessment, and Mrs. Fossum said her neighbor's proposed increase was reduced by $20,000. Mrs. Fossum was told her home was in much better condition and warranted the higher assessment. She feels she is being penalized for keeping her property in good condition. Mr. Hushka said he sympathizes with Mrs. Fossum, however, he does not believe the value on her property is too high. He said the assessment was low at $61,500, and the new assessed value is $90,500 for an 1,800 square foot two-story home. He would need to check the office files to see if other factors influenced lowering the proposed increase on her neighbor's property.