2. Tax Equalizatn Bd reconvened - Laserfiche WebLink

Appeal of Thompson Residence at 806 ih St N, Fargo Attached is a recommendation from the Fargo Assessment Department recommending retaining the current value on the property. After inspecting the property (see e-mail for photo) and reviewing the taxpayer's concerns, I also concur with that recommendation. First, there was some confusion on whether or not the taxpayer was notified of an increase in valuation. In 2003, the taxpayer did receive a Notice of Increase in Assessment. It appears that Ms. Thompson did not understand that their taxes would be gomg up. The taxpayer indicates that she is on a limited income and that she does not qualitY for any type of aid programs. She also indicates that the property is situated on a small lot, there is no alley, and no garage. The taxpayer recently re-roofed the house and remodeled the porch. Ms. Thompson indicates that it's not fair to give property tax breaks to developers or to base assessments on recent sales. Also, she feels that the school portion of the property tax is pricing people out of homes. Ms. Thompson is also concerned about special assessment costs for storm sewer improvements. Although I can surely appreciate Ms. Thompson's concerns, statutorily, the county board of equalization is not going to be able to address most of her issues. First, the taxpayer would need to visit with the City of Fargo in regards to the levy of special assessments and in regards to any exemptions that certain developers may be receiving. In regards to the school tax, she would need to visit with school administers and legislators. Also, under ND Statutes, assessments of residential property are market based. The taxpayer has not provided any information showing that the assessment exceeds market value. The function of the board of equalization is for the equalization of property values according to statute. Therefore, I concur that the assessment should be retained as equalized by the City of Fargo Board of Equalization. Suggested Motion: "I move that the assessment at 806 7th St N, Fargo be retained, as equalized by the City of Fargo, and as recommended by the Director of Eq ualization."