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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19, 2004 Board of Review OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 19, 2004 The following are the minutes of the BOARD OF REVIEW for the City of Columbia Heights City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. BOARD OF REVIEW ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF RE VIEW Wyckoff indicated the purpose of the Board of Review is to review property valuations as of January 2, 2004 for taxes payable 2005, and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding property valuations. INTRODUCTION W alt Fehst, City Manager, introduced the Anoka County Residential Appraiser Arlene Andrea. QUSTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUES Citizen in attendance was given an opportunity to raise questions regarding his property valuation. th Harold Hoium, 43 15 5 Street, was present and only wished his attendance be noted on the record. Mayor Julienne Wyckoff, 4261 Reservoir Boulevard, requested information on her property. Andrea stated it went up $20,400 as land values and per square foot costs have inc reased. $20,000 was quite average for value increases. Nawrocki stated the booklet prepared by the County was very useful and had good information included. He noted that starting in 2006 the local Board of Review would be required to include someone who has completed a course on appeals within in the last four years. Nawrocki referred to page 11 regarding valuations. Andrea stated Wyckoff’s increase was ten percent. Nawrocki stated that on page 11 it indicates the average increase was four and one - half p ercent for 2004. Andrea indicated that question would have to be addressed by the County Assessor, as the individual increases show a different percentage. Nawrocki stated that compared to his statement and two other properties he was aware of, the 4.5 per cent would be low. He asked that the County Assessor send him an answer. Nawrocki also questioned the ratio study figure. Williams questioned page four and the amount of area visited each year. Andrea stated that in the past homes were visited every four years, but now homes will be visited every five years. Williams questioned commercial assessment and values versus the for sale price. Andrea stated appraisals are based on the value, not on the asking price. Williams asked if the value of an improved p roperty would increase the value of an adjacent lot. Andrea stated she was not sure if only one commercial sale would affect area properties. Williams referred to property owner’s asking prices being much higher than their assessed value. Nawrocki stated t hat the price someone asks is not the value placed on it, but at some point City Council Minutes April 19, 2003 Page 2 of 2 sale of properties does come into play. Williams referred to the City’s purchase of the Beecroft property and two residential homes on Central Avenue. Andrea stated that sales to g overnmental agencies are not used as part of the ratio. Williams indicated he would telephone the commercial appraiser. Wyckoff read a portion of the tax statement, which indicates assessors are required to value at current market value. Fehst indicated the description on page six referred to this. Fehst questioned the number of commercial establishments that appeal their taxes. Andrea stated that most appeals are negotiated and do not make it to court. Fehst referred to the inconvenience of working wi th owners that do not want to sell. He suggested the commercial appraiser attend a City Council work session to discuss this with the Council. Hoium questioned the value of all property in the city. Andrea stated the total 2004 Market Value of exempt a nd forfeit properties is $1,323,293,200. COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DESIRED Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt the 2004 Assessment Rolls as presented. Upon vote: Motion carried All ayes. . ADJOURN Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. _______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary