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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 1, 2002 Bd Appeals OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF APPEALS AND EQUALIZATION APRIL 1, 2002 The following are the minutes for the Board of Appeals and Equalization of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Nawrocki Absent: Councilmember Williams STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW Mayor Peterson stated that this meeting was to review property valuations as of January 2, 2002, for taxes payable 2003, and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding property valuations. INTRODUCTION The Anoka County Appraisers introduced themselves as: Jim Rouleau, Commercial Property Appraiser, and Arlene Andrea, Residential Property Appraiser. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUES th Mr. Trong, 4237 4 Street, stated that he lives in a Habitat Home and his property value went from $120,000 to $157,200. Last spring he had water in the basement that cost him $5,000 to repair. Andrea stated that this is a new house that he paid $120,000 for. She stated her review found a few minor problems, so the value was reduced to $149,400. She stated that he feels the value should be the same as when he bought it. Peterson described the difference between the amount paid and market value. Mr. Trong felt this is a lesser quality home because volunteers built it. Peterson stated that these problems happen to most everyone. Fehst stated that he should contact the Habitat for Humanity organization to correct these items. Andrea stated this was a normal increase, as last year the value was approximately $137,000. Szurek stated that taxes are based on the value of the home at the time of move in, like any other home. Nawrocki questioned if these values are actual or limited. Arlene stated they are actual. Arlene stated that 16.19 percent is the average value increase representing all commercial and residential property. Mary Boyle, Anoka County Principal Assessor, stated that residential values went up almost 20 percent. Trone stated that he would only receive the purchase price of the home if they stay less than 29 years. Nawrocki questioned what Mr. Trone paid last year in taxes. Trone stated that the first year he did not have to pay taxes. Wyckoff asked what the next person would pay for this home. It was felt that question would have to be addressed Habitat. Peterson stated that the County has already reduced these taxes and asked Council members if they felt there should be a further reduction. No further reduction was recommended. Mr. Jerry LaMere, 5080 Mulcare Drive, stated in 2001 his property tax was on a value of $182,000, in 2002 it Columbia Heights City Council Board of Appeals and Equalization Page 2 of 3 was on $197,300 and in 2003 it would be on $211,000. He did not think he could sell the home for this amount. Andrea stated that this is 1,600 square foot rambler and in better than average shape. She indicated that larger residential home taxes increased less than smaller residential homes. Andrea stated she did not have the information available for this home, as she had already reviewed the home and spoken to the owner. She stated that any reduction in value could only be between $3,000 and $5,000. Nawrocki stated that values were based on size, not on the need for paint. Rouleau stated that the tax increase was in the 16 percent range for the last two years. LaMere asked the property value prior to his purchase. Andrea stated $165,000. Peterson stated that homes normally sell for more than the taxable value. Fehst stated that Council can only ask the Assessor to review the home. th Mr. Harold Hoium, 4315, 4317, and 4321 5 Street, stated his property is on the city’s hit list with the hope to get him to move. Hoium wanted to know what the 20 percent tax increase buys him. Andrea stated that his market value for 2003 is $152,900. The limited value is $104,200 payable 2002 and limited value payable for 2003 is $114,600. Nawrocki asked if the other two requests had been referred to in limited market values. Andrea stated they may have been. Nawrocki asked if the Assessor had been in Mr. Hoium’s house. Hoium stated that he would not allow any one on his property. Nawrocki stated that would limit the accuracy of an appraisal. Robert Surbrook, 4608 Pierce Street, stated that he bought his home five years ago, and his concern was that his market value for 2002 was $179,800, the limited value was $166,600, and the limited value for 2003 was $183,300. He stated that he just had it appraised at $182,000, and that there is a lot of rental in the area and questioned if the values would sustain their level. Fehst questioned the legitimacy of an assessment for refinancing purposes. Andrea stated that bank appraisals tend to be lower. Peterson confirmed that Andreas would research the LeMere request. Andrea stated she would. Nawrocki questioned in what capacity the County would work with our assessments. Boyle stated they do not work with special assessments; only add them to the property tax statements. Fehst stated that the county would collect the special assessments. Nawrocki questioned if the County would answer special assessment questions. Boyle indicated that the County would add them to the taxes, but the City would have to answer what the assessment is for. Nawrocki questioned past due or current assessments for collection. Boyle stated the record would show if a portion of the tax was not paid, but not specifically if it is for a special assessment. Fehst stated that the Public Works Department would create the assessment roll and answer parcel specific questions, and that the County is being contracted to add them to the tax role. Fehst stated that our county does not have a turnkey operation. COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DESIRED MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to continue the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to April 8, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of hearing additional information regarding 5080 Mulcare Drive as discussed on April 1, 2002, and to consider adoption of the 2002 Property Assessment Rolls. Upon vote: All Motion carried. ayes. Nawrocki stated he would like additional information on other Habitat home real estate values. Columbia Heights City Council Board of Appeals and Equalization Page 3 of 3 ADJOURNMENT Peterson continued the meeting to April 8, 2002 at 7 p.m. ________________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk