06-07-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 7, 2004 2735 John Williams, 406 4th Street East, Horace, said he has a problem with how his notice of increase in property value was prepared. He said the notice indicated a $6,400 increase over last year; however, the increase is actually $16,400. His valuation went from $78,100 in 2003 to $94,500 in 2004, and he does not agree with that amount of increase. Mr. Klein will review this property and report back to the board with a recommendation. There were no other people in the audience to present additional appeals. Mr. Klein talked with the board about state statutes on the requirements for giving written notice of property tax increases, and he said assessors have a difficult time keeping up with market values because they do not have staff to help appraise property in their jurisdiction. Appraisals might be made every two to three years on a given property, and the market has been very strong lately. He said values can change in a hurry. One taxpayer today suggested that valuations are raised so the county has more money to spend; however, Mr. Klein said he has never seen this happen. Mr. Wagner said only 13% of property taxes are used to fund county government. Mr. Vanyo asked Mr. Klein to share this information with citizens attending the next board of equalization meeting on June 21st. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Meyer seconded that the County Board of Tax Equalization recess until June 21st; that the Director of Equalization provide recommendations regarding individual appeals; and that he also provide recommendations on any necessary changes to the assessment rolls. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 18. FLOOD LOT IN FOREST RIVER SUBDIVISION, Lease of property to Carol Yonke Mr. Montplaisir informed the board of a request to lease a county-owned flood lot by an adjacent property owner, Carol Yonke of 7610 Forest River Road, Fargo. Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was also present for this discussion. He said leases such as this one seem to work well if the individuals maintain them as agreed in the lease; however, he has received complaints that some of the flood lots are not properly maintained. This usually occurs where a lease is authorized to a person who does not live adjacent to the flood lot. Maintenance has also been an issue where there are several lots in one tract, and it is too much for one property owner to maintain. The County Highway Department is providing upkeep on some of the flood lots; however, they are unable to mow them as often as an individual mows their own yard. Mr. Montplaisir said there have been some problems in the past with using the leased lots for other than their intended purposes, such as vehicle storage. Language in the lease prohibits using the property for such things as parking vehicles, building any kind of structure without prior written approval of the county, storage of any kind of equipment or personal property, raising or keeping of animals, or disposal of any kind of materials, whether hazardous or not. Mr. Burdick said this is the same type of lease the county has been using since obtaining the flood lots through the use of disaster relief funds. In receiving those funds, Cass County Government agreed to conditions which are intended to restrict the use of the land to open space in perpetuity in order to protect and preserve natural flood plain values. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to offer a Lease of Property for Lot 4 of Forest River Subdivision, Stanley Township, to Carol Yonke