01-05-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--January 5, 2004 2688 17. ELECTIONS, Precinct boundary chanaes approved Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, reviewed precinct consolidation recommendations in connection with implementation of the Help America Vote Act (HA V A). He said combining voting precincts is not popular, however, he believes most city and township officials agree that some consolidation is necessary. This topic was among those discussed with cities at a meeting in Casselton last year and with townships at the fall Township Officers' meeting, also held in Casselton. City mayors and township chairmen were invited to attend today's commission meeting, or to submit written comments by December 29, 2003. No letters were received on this subject and no one in the audience asked to address the issue. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to change precinct boundaries recommended by the county auditor as follows: On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. . Combine 20-02 (Hunter), 20-03 (Grandin), and 20-04 (Gardner) at the Northern Cass School site on Highway 26; . Combine 21-02 (Fargo High Rise) and 21-05 (Fargo Library) at the Fargo High Rise; . Combine 22-02 (Arthur) and 22-05 (Amenia) at Arthur; . Combine 22-03 (Tower City), 22-04 (Buffalo), and 22-10 (Alice) at Buffalo; . Combine 22-12 (Davenport) and 22-13 (Kindred) at Kindred. 18. ABATEMENT HEARING, Denied forWavne Miller This was the time and place advertised for a hearing on Application for Abatement and Settlement of Taxes submitted by Wayne L. and Virginia C. Miller for property located at 498 25th Street South, Fargo, North Dakota. Frank Klein, County Director of Tax Equalization, provided a written report on his investigation of Abatement #4239 submitted by the Millers. He said the City of Fargo recommends denial of the abatement, and Mr. Klein also recommends the abatement be denied because the applicants have failed to provide any documentation showing the assessment to be excessive, invalid, inequitable or unjust. Commissioners received documentation from the City of Fargo Assessment Department, including a copy of the purchase agreement dated June 30, 2003, in the amount of $100,000, plus $25,000 for personal property. Wayne Miller was present and Mrs. Sorum called on him at this time. Mr. Miller said he is concerned about fair taxation and referenced a neighboring property, which is assessed well below his valuation of $86,000 on the subject property. He is asking for a reduction to $55,000 for 2003. He said his property is in "run-down" condition. Ben Hushka, Fargo City Assessor, was present and said the key difference in the two properties Mr. Miller mentions is that one is zoned residential, and Mr. Miller's property is commercial. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that abatement #4239 for Wayne Miller be denied, based upon the information presented, and as recommended by the City of Fargo and the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Miller asked about the next step, and Mr. Klein said he could appeal the decision of the board of commissioners and explained the manner prescribed by law.