07-06-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 6, 2004 2751 Mr. Bennett suggested that Mr. Klein review the property again, along with any other information that is available, and come back to the County Board of Equalization, rather than going to the State Board. Mr. Klein said the County Board of Equalization most likely needs to adjourn today in order to meet deadlines to submit information for the State Board of Equalization in early August. He outlined the next steps for Ms. Thompson to follow in the appeal process, indicating she could write a letter to the State Board and someone from the State Tax Department would travel to Fargo to view her property. He also outlined the abatement process, in which case she would apply to the City of Fargo after receiving her 2004 tax statement, and the County Board of Commissioners would take action on the abatement after the City of Fargo. Mr. Wagner said the property comparisons seem to be fairly consistent, and he said the board is bound by State statutes to equalize properties throughout the county. MOTION, failed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the assessment at 806 7th Street North, Fargo, be retained as equalized by the City of Fargo and as recommended by the Director of Equalization. On roll call vote, the motion failed with two members voting "Aye"; Mr. Bennett, Mr. Meyer and Mrs. Sorum opposing. Mr. Klein said if the board does not make a decision on what the assessment should be, then it stands as equalized by the City of Fargo. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to set the 2004 value of Carolyn Thompson's property at 806 7th Street North, Fargo, at last year's value of $65,200. The motion carried on roll call vote with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Wagner opposing. The next appeal is for the Edward Ferguson property in West Fargo. Mr. Klein said the West Fargo City Assessor, Wanda Wilcox, is present. Mr. Ferguson was not present. Commissioners received a copy of a letter from the West Fargo Assessor to Mr. Klein indicating an agreement was reached between Mr. Ferguson and the City of West Fargo to reduce the value of his property from $476,400 to $395,000 for 2004. Mr. Ferguson has two pole barn structures being used for manufacturing, and the assessor indicated the quality of the manufacturing buildings is not on the same level as typical manufacturing buildings. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Wagner seconded that the valuation be reduced from $476,400 to $395,000 for the Ed Ferguson property, as recommended by the West Fargo City Assessor. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein recommended increasing the assessments in six additional townships after reviewing the statistics and assessment rolls and having spot-checked various assessments. He said notices of the proposed increases were sent to all of the affected jurisdictions. No one was present from any of the townships who received notices. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Meyer seconded that the following townships be adjusted as indicated below, upon recommendation of the Director of Equalization: On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.