HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2, 2001Official Proceedings
Columbia Heights City Council
Board of Review
Monday, April 2, 2001
The following are the minutes of the Board of Review of the Columbia Heights City
Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City
Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
BOARD OF REVIEW
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, and Mayor
Peterson
2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW
Peterson indicated this hearing is to review property valuations as of January 2,
2001, for taxes payable 2002, and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved
or have questions regarding property valuations.
3. INTRODUCTION
Walt Fehst, City Manager, introduced Anoka County Appraisers Mary Boyle, John
Leone, and Diana Stellmach.
4. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUES
Mary Boyle indicated the only signature to appeal is Harold Hoium, of 4315, 4317,
th
and 4321 5 Street. She stated Council could not make an adjustment of this market
value or a classification change, as this person would not permit the assessor to
inspect the property and the interior of any buildings or structures.
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Harold Hoium, 4315, 17, 21 5 Street indicated he should have a 50 percent
reduction in his property tax, as he felt he is not getting service to justify this fee.
He asked how this value was established. Boyle stated the land value, structure
value, depreciation, age and condition of property, are used to determine market
value, and also weighted against sales in the area. Hoium stated that people who
appraise have no business on private property.
Nawrocki questioned the value of Mr. Hoium’s three parcels. Boyle stated the
limited value is $104,200 and the market value is $125,200. There are two houses
on this property and it is homesteaded. Boyle again referred to state statute, which
states changes can not be made to the property valuation, as Mr. Hoium will not
allow County Appraisers on his property.
Nawrocki questioned median ratios and the coefficient of dispersion rates.
Boyle explained the coefficient of dispersion is a unit of measurement that when
under ten indicates the majority of sales are very near this value. A higher number
indicates the lower the accuracy to the sale value. The Median Ratio is the
percentage near the median sale.
Wyckoff questioned why there were 19 fewer taxable parcels this year. Boyle
stated there must have been an error in the previous year’s figures, because the
parcel count has not dropped. The billable parcels are lower than last year. Boyle
also explained depreciation of a home, and how it affects the value.
Peterson questioned the three commercial sales. Leone stated the tax valuation was
over the sale prices. This was unique to Columbia Heights, as values were close in
other cities of the County. Leone stated that the unpredictable market is a large
cause of the problem.
Hoium questioned the number of properties in the city not paying taxes. Boyle
stated 294 properties are tax exempt or non-profit; such as parks, schools, churches,
etc. Hoium requested a map of these properties. Boyle indicated that information is
available at the County GIS Department.
5. COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DESIRED
MOTION
by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adopt the 2001 Assessment Rolls
Motion carried
as presented. All ayes. .
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m..
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk