Board of Equalization Minutes

for

June 16, 2003 - June 17, 2003 - June 27, 2003

 

 

KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
Opening Session 2003 – Monday, June 16, 2003; 9:30 a.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Auditor/Treasurer Bob Peterson, Assessor Marty Cody, Coordinator Teresa Jaksa

Oaths of Office were conducted by the Auditor for members of the County Board of Equalization. Board Chairman Lepper opened the session. The Board will take appointments tomorrow afternoon and it was reported that four appointments are scheduled at this time. The Board will schedule further business for Tuesday, June 24, 2003 as needed and that the Assessor will provide his report and recommendations for Board consideration on Friday, June 27, 2003 prior to the closing of the 2003 Board of Equalization. The Chair recessed the session until June 17, 2003.

 

KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
Tuesday, June 17, 2003; 2:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Maynard Nickelson, Carol Thomas, and Joanne Finstad; Assessor Marty Cody, Auditor/Treasurer Bob Peterson

00 The Board Chair reconvened the Board of Equalization meeting at 2:00 p.m. at which time the Board took property owner appointments.

01 Maynard Nickelson, owning property in the Lindford area, questioned why the market value on his property had increased over $7,000. The Assessor stated that there was a State mandated valuation increase for all farm and seasonal recreation properties in School District 362 based on sale data in the area. The increase was 10% or 15%. Discussion was held on residential classification criteria and how it applied to Mr. Nickelson’s property.

02 Carol Thomas first complimented staff in the Assessor and Auditor/Treasurer Offices as very helpful and informative. She purchased the Musket Inn property, which is an island of about 25 acres, and stated that the valuation of the property has greatly increased which concerns her with regards to being able to afford the taxes on the property. The Assessor stated that there was a State mandated valuation increase for all waterfront property and as a result there was a 60% increase in land valuation, which is not even close to what properties are selling for in the area. As long as people pay high prices for waterfront property, increased valuation will follow.

03 Roger Perling stated that his valuation on the property he owns on Rainy Lake skyrocketed and is concerned about increased taxes as they have limited income. Again the Assessor stated that the State mandated a valuation increase on waterfront property and as a result his property received a 60% increase in land value. It was stated that the entire area received this land value increase due to sales in the area and that the increase does not come close to what properties are selling for. It was stated to Mr. Perling that if he should find that his valuation increase is not in line with other increases in the area he should come back to the Board before the date of closing, which is June 27, for further review and consideration by the Board.

04 Joanne Finstad informed the Board that on top of the large increase she received last year (as a result of a private landowner appealing to the State for reevaluation of the waterfront properties in her area) her property received another large increase this year. As she informed the Board last year, her gross income for her cabin rental and motor home park business is about $25,000 and 16% of it goes to paying property taxes. The Assessor stated that taking all her property together, her taxes went down over last year. The Assessor informed her of the State mandated valuation increase for waterfront properties in that area.

05 With no further appointments ( Clarence Oveson did not show for appointment) the Board Chair recessed the meeting and will reconvene on June 24 as needed and meet again on June 27 to finalize work and close the 2003 Session.

 

2003 KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING
Held on Friday, June 27, 2003; 9:30 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Assessor Cody and Auditor/Treasurer Peterson

00 The Board Chair reconvened the 2003 Board of Equalization at 9:30 a.m. The
Assessor provided the Board a list of recommended assessment changes.

BOE2003/06-01 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Hanson accepting the following assessment change recommendations from the County Assessor:

Parcel # 92-09-00150 Decrease value by $23,200 Building in Poor Shape
Parcel #92-07-75130 Decrease value by $10,000 Building was Removed
Parcel #93-18-03070 Decrease value by $ 2,600 No access to Property
Parcel #92-07-63070 Decrease value by $18,900 Buildings in Poor Shape
Parcel #21-32-22300 Decrease value by $21,700 Building in Poor Shape
Parcel #07-55-00090 Class as Res. Non Homestead Incorrectly Classed
Parcel #21-12-12000 Decrease value by $14,028 Realign Valuation of House
Parcel #21-12-23000 Decrease value by $22,000 Mold -Building Not Useable
Parcel #65-14-31000 Decrease value by $ 3,100 Mobile Home Removed

Voting yes: Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

BOE2003/06-02 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Adee approving no change in market value or property classification for properties requested to be reviewed by property owners attending the June 17, 2003 Board of Equalization as information provided by the property owners as to why valuation should be decreased was not cause under law to consider value reduction. Voting yes: Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The County Assessor reviewed with the Board a comprehensive assessment report, which included a Department status report.

BOE2003/06-03 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Adee to close the 2003 County Board of Equalization at 11:00 a.m. Voting yes: Lepper, Adee, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.