06-07-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 7, 2004 2734 MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to expend $10,000 from the 2004 county contingency fund; and that the North Dakota Air National Guard Support Group return with the $15,000 request during the 2005 budget process. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 17. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Convened for 2004 and recessed until June 21st The Cass County Board of Tax Equalization was convened for 2004. Frank Klein, County Director of Equalization, provided a letter dated May 27,2004, concerning the annual equalization of assessments. He said there is no indicated overall change for the agricultural or commercial assessments. Residential assessments will increase 10% on average, due to a strong market. Mr. Klein suggested that the board of equalization listen to individual appeals today and then recess until the next regular commission meeting to allow time for him to investigate and provide a recommendation on those appeals. He said the overall residential assessments outside the cities of Fargo and West Fargo are not in compliance with the State Board of Equalization, and it may be necessary to raise the assessments for certain townships and cities. Clifford Bauske, 501 23rd Street South, Fargo, addressed the board at this time and said the valuation on his home increased from $99,900 last year to $162,000 this year. He indicated he protested the assessment at the City of Fargo, and the valuation was lowered to $146,000. He believes that amount is still too high. Mr. Klein will visit with Mr. Bauske and inspect the property before the board's next meeting. Carolyn Thompson, 806 7th Street North, Fargo, said her valuation increased nearly 80% in one year, from $36,200 to $65,200. She said her sister lives in the 1 OO-year old home with her, and they have been unable to find work in the fields where they obtained Master's Degrees. A tax increase such as this threatens to force them from owning a home. Attorney Carl Elofson was present on behalf of the Thompson's and cited a North Dakota statute on the amount of increase for a particular property in a year. Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, said the statue Mr. Elofson referenced pertains to the process that is required to give notice to property owners if the tax increase exceeds a certain amount. Mr. Burdick said he will visit with Mr. Klein, who will inspect the property and report back to the board. Norman Maynard, 1421 55th Avenue South, Fargo, said he hired a fee appraiser to inspect his property about a year ago, and the value was established at $200,000; however, next year's value is already being increased 10%, to $213,000.00. He called the City of Fargo Assessor's Office, and an appraiser came to inspect his property; however, he was critical of the property comparisons that were used by the city worker. Mr. Klein will prepare a recommendation for the board after meeting with the homeowner and viewing the property. Ed Ferguson, 1102 Center Street, West Fargo, owns a business and said his valuation increased 50%, which was in addition to a 30% increase four years ago. He said the outcome will be that businesses raise prices to reflect the higher taxes. This type of taxation becomes a burden on the public, and Mr. Ferguson suggested that mill levy increases should be through a vote of the people. Mr. Klein will also review this property and make a future recommendation to the county equalization board.