07-06-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 6, 2004 2749 14. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Reconvened for 2004 The 2004 County Board of Tax Equalization reconvened. Frank Klein, County Director of Equalization, was present and referred to his letter to the board dated June 25, 2004. His letter contained additional information and recommendations concerning the appeal of six individuals, a proposed increase for six additional townships, and proposed increases for ten commercial properties along 52nd Avenue South in Stanley Township. Mr. Klein said it is the responsibility of the County Board of Equalization to review the assessments of all cities and townships as equalized by the local equalization board, and to hear individual appeals. He said the standard for commercial and residential property is market value. He also reviewed the appeals process if a taxpayer feels aggrieved. Norman Maynard, 1421 55th Avenue South, Fargo, was present regarding the assessment on his home of $213,400, which he feels is excessive. He questioned the comparisons used by the City of Fargo and provided copies of parcel information he gathered from the Fargo Assessment Department's website. Mr. Maynard said he had an appraisal about one year ago, indicating a value of $200,000. He feels the square footage values are incorrect. Ben Hushka, Fargo City Assessor, was present and addressed the board at this time. Mr. Hushka said the value of all rights and interests in the property must be considered when determining market value, according to North Dakota state law. Therefore, the bank appraisal referenced by Mr. Maynard would total $215,900, including the balance of unpaid specials. Mr. Meyer asked about the dollar difference between the appraisal at $101 per square foot and Mr. Maynard's information that valued other 4-level split homes in his area at $4-$5.00 less per square foot. It was estimated that the difference in Mr. Maynard's tax bill would be $160 per year. Mr. Klein explained there could be differences in valuations due to the age of a structure, the amount of work finished, and its condition. Mr. Klein recommended no change in the value equalized by the City of Fargo. He said the taxpayer has not shown that the assessment exceeds market value. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the assessment at 1421 55th Avenue South, Fargo, be retained as equalized by the City of Fargo and recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The board next addressed the appeal of Clifford Bauske. Mr. Klein's report indicates that Mr. Bauske feels the increase in valuation is too large in one year, and he is concerned that other property is not being assessed at market value and that property is not inspected every year. He told Mr. Klein, however, that he does not wish to go on record naming what types of properties or which neighborhoods he felt were inequitable. Mr. Bauske was not present today and not represented by anyone. Mr. Klein's recommendation is to retain the assessment as equalized by the City of Fargo. He said there is no limit in state law on the amount that an assessment can increase and , he said it is not possible to inspect every property each year because there would be a shortage of appraisers and time to perform the work.