06-04-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-June 4, 2007 3210 Ms. Thorpe arrived later in the meeting and said her issue needs to be addressed regardless of the South Side Flood Protection Plan. She said the ravine has been overtaxed from water running through it and the shoreline continues to erode. She is concerned with the fragility of the river bank and wants the issue to be resolved now. She feels that much of the erosion occurred after Maple Prairie Subdivision was built in 1993 and her property began to take on other people's water. She said eventually 76th Avenue South and Highway 81 will be affected. Mr. Pawluk said several factors appear to have affected this property and he questions what responsibility the county has regarding this issue. He said many residents, including him, are experiencing river bank erosion. Also, county-owned land has experienced similar problems. Mr. Bennett said the county does not have the answer whether the options outlined in the flood protection plan will or will not help Ms. Thorpe. Mr. Wagner and Mr. Vanyo said the process is ongoing with the flood protection study and feels Ms. Thorpe needs to address her concerns with those participating in the study. 8. SOCIAL SERVICES, Approved budaet adiustment for state salary scale Jerry Skjonsby, Fiscal Manager for Social Services, was present. He said legislation was passed that changes the process for determining salary scales for state employees, including Social Services. The ranges changed from 4% to 9%. Previously, salaries were frozen by state maximums. In order to implement the new state salary scale, a budget adjustment is needed. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve a budget adjustment of $58,000 for implementation of the new state salary scale for social service employees, effective July 1, 2007. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Convened for 2007 and recessed until June 18th Chairman Wagner convened the Cass County Board of Tax Equalization for 2007. Frank Klein, Director of Equalization, referred to his letter dated May 24, 2007, concerning the annual equalization of assessments. State law requires residential and commercial property to be valued at market value and agricultural property to be valued at its productivity value established by a legislative formula. Mr. Klein said for 2007 there is no indicated change in agricultural valuations and the county appears to be in compliance with commercial assessments in the rural area; however, residential assessments outside Fargo and West Fargo are not in compliance and he will recommend increases in numerous townships and cities at the next equalization meeting. He suggested the board consider any individual appeals today and he will provide recommendations on the appeals at the next meeting. Kathy Onsum addressed the board at this time. She lives at 1117 10th Avenue South, Fargo, and is on a fixed income. She said the value on her home seems to increase each year and she feels that she is being taxed out of her home. John Guerrero, 1112 10th Avenue South, Fargo, is a neighbor and said Ms. Onsum owns her home. He asked the board to consider this case on merit and to provide some tax relief to Ms. Onsum. Mr. Klein said the homestead credit allowance was increased by the state legislature this year and this may alleviate some of her tax burden. Mr. Klein will see if Ms. Onsum is eligible for any other exemptions.