08-21-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm, Hinutes--August 21, 1990 506 16. 17. ABATEMENT ~3926/HEARING, American Life & Casualty Hearing was held at 10:30 a.m. on application for abatement and settlement of taxes (#3926) submitted by Score Consulting, Inc., as agent for American Life & Casualty Insurance Company. Present were County Tax Director Frank Klein, City Assessor Floyd Buerkley and Marv Heaton, Principal Appraiser for the Fargo Assessor's Office, and Blake Score of Score Consulting, Inc. Mr. Klein recommended the County deny the abatement for reasons that the applicant has not shown the valuation is invalid, inequitable or unjust and the property was valued similarly with like property and consistent with its use as of 1988 and 1989 assessment dates. Mr. Score was given an opportunity to submit additional written information since his appearance before the County Board of Equalization June 5, 1990. Mr. Klein said the only new information received on this property is a copy of a report to the Fargo City Commission prepared by the Fargo Assessor's Office. The City Commission recommended on July 16, 1990, the abatement be denied. Mr. Score said the property was appraised at $1,800,000 and listed by a realty companyiat $2,350,000. Mr. Shannon asked why the property hasn't been offered for sale at the appraised price. Mr. Score said the listed amount includes an addition to the building and remodeling for the new tenant. Mr. Buerkley and Commissioner Wieland both expressed concern that appraisal of the property made by Appraisal Services, Inc. on behalf of the applicant may have been for reasons other than for assessment appeal purposes. Also, it was noted that the appraisal was made after the 1988 assessment date of February 1 and that the property was offered for sale in 1989 after being vacated. MOTION, passed Mr. Wie]and moved and Mr. Sondra]] seconded that abatement No. 3926 be denied as recommended by the City of Fargo and the Director of Equalization. Further discussion: Mr. Shannon asked Mr. Heaton the status of the property for 1990. Mr. Heaton said part of the building is vacant, which is reflected in the 1990 assessment made by the City of Fargo. Mr. Buerk]ey said the building was fully occupied in 1989 as of the assessment date of February 1st. At the ca]] for the question and on roll ca]] vote, motion carried unanimously. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, Joyce Holm to be retained until election Commissioner Toussaint said a committee looked at options for the County Superintendent of Schools position being vacated by Joyce Holm effective August 31, 1990. She said the County could retain Ms. Holm on a part-time basis until the general election, at which time her successor will be elected. Ms. Holm's term expires December 31, 1992. Mrs. Toussaint said the Governor's Office sent a letter to counties in May suggesting consolidation of county offices, if possible. Some counties in the state share the services of county superintendents. Mr. Wieland asked if the Commission can determine prior to the general election that this will be a part-time position instead of