Board Minutes

for

June 18-19, 2001

 

KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
Opening Session 2001 – Monday, June 18, 2001; 9:30 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Auditor Joe Gust, Assessor Jim Kalstad, Assistant Assessor
Marty Cody, Coordinator Teresa Jaksa

Oaths of Office were conducted by the Auditor for the members of the County Board of Equalization. Board Chairman Hanson opened the session and requested an update from the Assessor. The Assessor stated that there are two appointments to see the Board on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 with session convening at 2:00 p.m. There are also six parcels that will be reviewed by the Department with a recommendation provided the Board on the last day of the 2001 session. The Chair recessed the session until June 19, 2001.

_______________________________ ________________________________
Board Chair Coordinator

2001 BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING
Held on Tuesday, June 19, 2001; 2:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Commissioners Hanson, McBride, Lepper, Chezick, Pavleck

ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Assessor Jim Kalstad, Assistant Assessor Marty Cody, Auditor Joe Gust, Coordinator Teresa Jaksa, Marvin and Maria Gilster and Joanne Finstad

Marvin and Maria Gilster, Parcel number 78-07-00200, stated that the value placed on their home is higher than what it could be sold for. The Assessor stated that an addition was put on the home raising the building value from $48,100 to $73,900 and he did not feel the assessment was out of line. The building value was taken from the Department’s building schedule with a twenty-percent decrease due to the location of the property. Mr. Gilster stated that their household income could not afford the tax increase proposed by this value increase. The Assessor estimated an increase in tax around $400 based on current tax levy and law. It would be hard to determine the actual tax increase until the 2001 legislative session determines any changes under its tax reform. The Assistant Assessor informed Mr. Gilster that he could file the M1-PR form, which is intended to give relief to low income households with high taxes. The value increase impacts the 2001 assessment for taxes payable in 2002. The Board agreed that the market value increase was in line and fair and advised the Gilsters to apply for relief based on their income.

Joanne Finstad, owner of several commercial properties in the City of Ranier, stated that she has retained her waterfront properties for historical reasons with one of the properties on the National Historic Register and provides a waterfront RV site on another of her properties for visitors. She feels she has added value to the community but feels she is not taxed equally when compared to other commercial properties in the City. She stated that the City of Ranier does not have a zoning ordinance, which causes an inequity in classification and value. She informed the Board that certain Ranier citizens have alleged her properties are undervalued and polluted and assured the Board that this was not the case and will deal with this matter seriously as she is concerned with the possible destruction of the properties and their historical and public value. Ms. Finstad was not requesting a reduction in her values but a review to ensure her property values were in line with other commercial properties within the City.

With no further business before the Board, the Chair recessed the meeting until Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at which time additional appointments will be taken. On Friday, June 29, 2001 the Board will conclude its business and adjourn.