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cass (x)uN l <br />GOVERNMENT/ <br /> <br /> Auditor <br /> <br />Michael Montiplaisir, CPA <br />701.241-5601 <br /> <br />Treasurer <br /> <br /> Charlotte Sandvik <br /> 701-241-5611 <br /> <br /> Director of <br />Equalization <br /> <br /> Frank Klein <br /> 701-241-5616 <br /> <br />Box 2806 <br />211 Ninth Street South <br />Fargo, North Dakota 58103 <br /> <br />Fax 701-241.5728 <br /> <br />June 4,2003 <br /> <br />Cass County Board of Equalization <br />PO Box 2806 <br />Fargo, ND 58108 <br /> <br /> RECEIVED <br /> <br /> JUN 5 2003 <br />CASS COUNTY COMMISSION <br /> <br />Re: Ruth Fossum appeal <br /> <br />Dear Commissioners: <br /> <br />I've reviewed the Ruth Fossum appeal on her residence located at 1206 2nd Av <br />S, Fargo. I visited with her and also viewed the interior and exterior of her <br />home. <br /> <br />Ms. Fossum indicates that she is being penalized for keeping her property in <br />good repair. She mentioned that a neighboring property received a sizable <br />reduction after the owner complained. Ms. Fossum has not provided any <br />information showing that the assessment exceeds market value. <br /> <br />In a letter dated June 3, 2003 (attached), the city assessor does explain that the <br />neighboring property was not originally inspected and that the reduction was <br />made only after obtaining access to the property. <br /> <br />Our records indicate that the assessment has gradually increased from $52,600 <br />in 1991 to an assessment of $61,200 for 2002. I reviewed the market for similar <br />properties in the neighborhood and have enclosed three sales. It would appear <br />that the property value has appreciated faster than the assessment and that recent <br />sales indicate that the valuation of $90,100 for 2003 is not excessive. <br /> <br />The properties immediately adjacent to the subject are not in as good of <br />condition as Ms. Fossum's property, especially the interior. In my opinion, the <br />exterior of these properties would not be considered a material distraction to the <br />subject valuation (see photos). <br /> <br />Although I can understand the taxpayer's disappointment in the increase in <br />valuation, the assessment is equitable and I recommend no change to the <br />assessment. <br /> <br />Suggested Motion: "I move that no change be made to the Fossum <br />property, as assessed by the City of Fargo Assessor, as equalized by the City <br />of Fargo Board of Equalization, and as recommended by the Director of <br />Equalization." <br /> <br />Frank Klein <br />Cass County Director of Equalization <br /> <br />Cc: Ruth Fossum <br /> <br />www. casscountygov, com <br /> <br /> <br />