06-16-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 16, 2003 2606 Jeanette Enebo, 1708 Charleswood Estates Drive, West Fargo, addressed the board and said she also received a copy of Mr. Klein's letter. She talked about the square footage assessment range for houses built by their contractor, Chris Lind, in the Charleswood River Estates area. She said their home was one of the most economical to build, according to Mr. Lind. The Enebo's provided a list of homes in the surrounding area, which they compiled, with 2002 values. The 2003 values were provided by the county. She also talked about the percentage increases on their property since 2001, and about two letters from the West Fargo Assessment Office to set up an appointment for an in-home inspection when the house was first built. The Enebos' are not convinced the letters were ever sent to them because they did not find a copy of them in their file at the West Fargo Assessor's Office. Mr. Klein addressed the Enebo concerns and said it appears there are some comparable properties that are not listed in their report. If those values were included in the list, he said it would appear the assessment is correct. He said a number of factors contributed to the 18% tax increase over two years, including a deck, shed and landscaping, as well as valuations being indexed upward due to increasing market values. According to Mr. Klein, sales in the area indicate the Enebo property is not over valued, and he recommends no change to the assessment. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Meyer seconded that no change be made to the Enebo property, as assessed by the City of West Fargo Assessor, as equalized by the West Fargo Board of Equalization, and as recommended by the County Director of Equalization. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said the Enebo's put forth a good effort in presenting information, and it is always difficult when values increase; however, he knows there are calculated means for arriving at these figures. After visiting with Mr. Klein about sales in the City of West Fargo, Mr. Vanyo said he would have to support the assessors' recommendation. He said it appears West Fargo property is not being over assessed according to the sales ratio statistics. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The next equalization matter concerns seven notices of increase that were sent to property owners in Clifton Township. Mr. Klein did not receive any calls in response to the notifications, however, some township officers are present for today's meeting. Mr. Wagner asked if anyone was present regarding their assessment in Clifton Township. No one addressed the board at this time. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the Clifton Township assessments be set as listed and recommended for 2003 by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein presented a list of recommended assessment changes in the City of Alice. Mr. Wagner asked if any taxpayers were present regarding Alice city assessments, and no one addressed the board at this time. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the City of Alice assessments be set as listed and recommended for 2003 by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.