07-06-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 6, 2004 2750 Mr. Hushka said the Fargo Assessment Department looks at areas each year where the most inequities appear to occur, and this area was recently reappraised. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the assessment at 501 23rd Street 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. Carolyn Thompson, 806 7th Street North, Fargo, was present for the next appeal, and was represented by her attorney, Carl Elofson. Ms. Thompson feels her assessment increase is too large and unfair because the home is situated on a small lot, there is no alley and no garage. Mr. Klein said he can appreciate Ms. Thompson's concerns; however, she would need to contact the City of Fargo about the levy of special assessments, and she should contact school administrators and legislators about the school tax. Since assessments of residential property are market based under North Dakota statutes, he concurs with the assessment as equalized by the City of Fargo. He said the taxpayer has not provided any information indicating the assessment exceeds market value. Mr. Vanyo said he understands how difficult these tax situations are for people on a fixed income. He said the value over the past couple of years may seem high; however, it is possible the property was undervalued for a number of years and it is now catching up with the market. Mr. Elofson indicated how stressful this has been for his client. He said she had about a $700 increase in one year and may be forced to sell her home if she cannot pay the taxes. He recommended a substantial reduction in the value based on the home being 100 years old, the depreciation and the location. Mr. Hushka said the property is valued about $19.00 per square foot less than comparable property because the city did consider the drawbacks mentioned by Mr. Elofson. He also feels sympathetic toward Ms. Thompson's situation. In recent discussions he has had with citizens and a legislator, there is enough concern that consideration may be given to switching from property tax to income tax to ease the school tax burden. Mr. Meyer said he is familiar with the Thompson property, and the lot is very small. The lot is 50' wide and he questioned if the property would sell for the suggested market value. Mr. Klein recommended that Ms. Thompson appeal to the State Board of Equalization, and that she should present an appraisal, along with any evidence showing the assessment is excessive. Mr. Elofson said another appeal to another level is costly for his client. Ms. Thompson said she tried to refinance her mortgage to lower the payments and her property was valued at the original purchase price of about $30,000. She purchased the home in 1991, according to Mr. Elofson.