07-07-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-July 7, 2008 3376 enough reductions. Rocking H, LLC is requesting the land be reduced by another $1.00 per square foot or $217,000; the new buildings be reduced by $157,000; and the office be reduced by $73,400, for a total of $447,400 in additional reductions. They are asking for a valuation that is equal and level with other similar properties. Ben Huschka, Fargo City Assessor, was present. The city feels from a market value standpoint, the value of $2,429,300 is representative considering current mortgages, the sales price filed with the state, and cost of additional buildings. The property has good access off 32nd Avenue South and prices for property selling along 32nd Avenue are higher than the $3.00 per square foot being used for Five Star Storage. He said the city does not support any further reduction and feels the value is reasonable. The city will be reviewing similar properties to ensure the land values are appropriate and if undervalued, will make the necessary adjustments. Mr. Bennett feels $2.25 or $2.30 per square foot is more reasonable for this property taking into consideration the documentation and analysis provided today. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the total true and full valuation for property located at 3255 43rd Street South in Fargo be set at $2,429,300 as recommended by the City of Fargo and the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Yes" and Mr. Bennett voting "No". Mr. Klein said the appeals from AI Brandt for properties located in Fargo and West Fargo have been resolved and he recommends no action be taken on the appeals. Mr. Klein discussed an appeal from Lynn Utke for several parcels of land in Highland Township. Mr. Utke is asking the 2008 agricultural assessments be reduced as a result of flood or flowage easements from the Maple River Dam project. Mr. Klein believes the flood easement will affect productivity of lands through decreased production and increased expense. The Maple River Water Resource District is voluntarily paying taxes on land they purchased outright for the dam and may also pay for any loss in taxes incurred due to the easement. Mr. Klein recommends approval of the appeals as presented by Mr. Utke. Mr. Utke was present but did not ask to address the commission at this time. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Wagner seconded that the Utke tracts in the SEY4 of Section 10, NEY4 of Section 15, and part of S% of Section 15 be reduced 50%; further, that the Utke tracts in the NWY4 of Section 15 be reduced 20%, NWY4 of Section 28 be reduced 30% and S% of NEY4 of Section 29 be reduced 10% (all parcels are located in Highland Township). On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to adjourn the County Board of Tax Equalization for 2008. Motion carried.