11-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 15, 1999 2062 She said it was their understanding, from talking to Mr. Rustad throughout the buy-out process and since that time, that they would receive the other 10% if the county had money left in disaster funds. Mrs. Quick provided some background on the expenditure of disaster money allocated to Cass County for 1997 flood damages and how the determinations were made for spending the money, based upon State and Federal regulations. She said it would be premature to allocate additional money for the Phase II buy-outs at this time since the county is seeking authorization to purchase vacant land along the river to prevent additional construction in flood-prone areas. She believes Cass County was fortunate to receive the amount of money they did from FEMA and HUD and said the county is interested in helping as many people as possible with the disaster money. It will likely be after the first of next year before the county receives a ruling from FEMA on the use of remaining funds for purchase of flood-prone lots south of Fargo. Mr. Smith said he is satisfied with the 90% of assessed value that he was paid for his home, even though the homeowners in the Phase I buy-out received 100% of assessed value. However, he suggested that future properties be purchased at 90% if the Phase II group does not get the remaining 10% of assessed value. Commissioners felt this is a reasonable request. 10. ABATEMENT HEARING, Todd and Holly Ellegard abatement approved Frank Klein, County Director of Tax Equalization, provided a written report on his investigation of abatement applications #4137 and #4138 submitted by Todd and Holly Ellegard for property located in the City of Harwood. The applicants are requesting that the residential valuation be reduced from $78,600 to $73,950 for 1997 and from $83,300 to $74,000 for 1998. Mr. Klein said the City of Harwood denied the abatements because they felt the value was fair and equitable for the tax years in question. Mr. Klein recommends setting the valuation at $76,000 for 1997 and 1998, based upon market information and market conditions at the time the property was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ellegard on March 28, 1997. The property was listed on January 25, 1997 for $76,500, with assumption of special assessments in the amount of $2,600. Todd Ellegard was present for the abatement hearing and addressed the Board at this time. He provided copies of a lengthy document showing his reasons for approval of the abatement and he called the Board's attention to a number of specific pages in his report. He did not feel he was properly notified by the City of Harwood when they considered his abatement request. However, he noted that the Harwood City Assessor lowered the value to $74,000 for 1999 because of deteriorating cement block in the basement and damage to the garage floor. The property was affected by the 1997 spring flood, according to Mr. Ellegard, although flood water did not enter the home but the high water caused basement seepage. Mr. Klein said the City of Harwood lowered the valuation for the tax year 1999 because the property was less marketable due to the owner starting to dig up the dirt around the basement. Mr. Ellegard said he received a verbal estimate of $30,000 to repair the basement, however, Mr. Klein said at the time of his inspection of the property, before preparing his recommendation for today's hearing, he did not think the basement needed major renovation. Mr. Ellegard said he wants to be treated equitably, and he wants the value based on the purchase price of $73,900. He does not agree that the special assessments increase the value