06-16-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-June 16, 2008 3369 Mr. Klein believes the assessment of $170,700 is excessive, considering the apparent condition of the property on February 1st and he recommends the assessment be set at $120,000 for 2008. Deena Hopson, Stanley Township Assessor, was present. She had questions on the allocation of land and structure values on the two parcels. She said the property is classified as residential but the applicant listed it as agricultural. Mr. Klein responded and said there will not be a significant reduction in land values but in the structure value and the property is a residential assessment. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded that the total true and full valuation of two parcels comprising 551 Wall Avenue in Stanley Township be set at $120,000 for the 2008 assessment. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein discussed an appeal from Pam Handegard for a three plex located at 298 Maple Drive in the City of Mapleton. In correspondence received from the applicant, she indicated the assessment increased from $131,200 to $164,800 but did not specify what she thought the value on the property should be. Mr. Klein drove by the property and reviewed the appraisal submitted by Ms. Handegard. The property was appraised at $123,000 and sold for the same price in 2004. He reviewed sales of smaller apartments in the area as well as trends in market values and rents. He recommends the assessment be set at $145,000 for 2008. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded that the total true and full valuation of property located at 298 Maple Drive in Mapleton City be set at $145,000 for the 2008 assessment. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein discussed his recommendation to increase assessments in 18 cities and townships. He reviewed statistics and assessment rolls and believes the increases are warranted to equalize assessments. He has notified all jurisdictions of his recommendations. The sales ratio study for Cass County was 91 % and therefore, assessments had to be increased 4 ~% to 5% for cities and townships, except for Fargo and West Fargo, to bring the county into compliance with state law. He said some cities and townships make increases on their own. Attorney Del Losing, representing the City of Buffalo, was present. He said citizens are concerned whether the 5% increase for their city is appropriate and necessary to equalize assessments. Buffalo valuations have increased by 28% from 2004 to 2007. He compared assessment increases in cities similar in size to Buffalo for the same time period and said Tower City increased by 28%, City of Arthur 19% and City of Page 13%. Mr. Klein said the City of Buffalo had difficulties with their last two assessors. He suggested the city hire an experienced assessor to equalize assessments to avoid adjustments by the county. He does not feel values in Buffalo have been raised any higher than other rural cities or townships. He said the 28% increase is more than just inflation, but was necessary to equalize assessments.