HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2014 BOA MinutesBOARD OF APPEALS AND EQUALIZATION
City of Columbia Heights
6:00 PM, April 14,2014
City Council Chambers
Citv Hall
590 40th Avenue N.E.
Columbia Heights, Minnesota
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gary Peterson at 7:00 p.m.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO TEM
Motion by Councilmember Diehm, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki, to appoint Carole Blowers
as Secretary Pro Tem. Motion passed unanimously.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Schmitt, Williams, Diehm, Nawrocki; Mayor Peterson
Also Present: City Manager, Walt Fehst
STATEMBNT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW
Mayor Peterson stated the purpose of the Board of Review is to review property valuations as of January
1,2014, for taxes payable 2015, and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions
regarding property valuations/assessments.
INTRODUCTION
Mike Brown, Appraiser, introduced two other constituents from Anoka County:* Molly Johnson- Senior Appraiser* Diana Stellmach - Deputy Appraiser
Mr. Brown reviewed several portions of the 2014 Board of Appeals booklet. He advised this meeting is
for the 2014 assessments to compute property taxes for 2015. On page three, market value is def,rned.
All arms-length sales that closed between October 1,2012 to September 13, 2013 have been used to
determine valuations for the 2014 assessment, for taxes payable in 2015.
As of January 2,2014, there were 7,597 parcels in the city. This total includes 6,910 residential parcels
(90.96%),241 commercial industrial parcels (3.18%), 309 tax exempt parcels (4.07%),10 personal
property parcels (.13%),125 apartment parcels (1.65%), and 2 railroad parcels and utility parcels
(.03%).
The2014 Anoka County Residential Sales Ratio median ratio was 93.19, and the Columbia Heights
ratio was 92.4. Dvring the 2013 study period for the 2014 assessment, countywide there were 7,211
recorded sales. Of these sales, only 3,160 were considered "arms-length" transactions. The remaining
4,051 sales not considered arms-length would include foreclosure sales, bank sales, sales involving
government entities and sales between related parties.
In accordance with current state law, the county assessors physically reviews all properties at least once
every five years. Each year, the county assessors also inspect all properties with new construction and at
the property owners'request. During 2013, there were 1,741properties reviewed. A map inthe2014
Assessor's Report showed the areas they will be assessing next (Section 25 and the north half of Section
36).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUES
Mayor Peterson asked if there were any citizens in attendance that would like to raise questions
regarding their property valuations.
Stacy Johnson, 4020 7th Street N.E., was in attendance. She stated that she does not agree with her
market value. She had her realtor do a comparison of similar housing, and she came up with a figure of
$88,000-S90,000. The county came up with a value of $129,800. Mike Brown stated he will check on
sales in her area. Stacy has a 900+ square foot home with unfinished basement. Mr. Brown stated he
was aware of three sales in her area which ranged from $143,000 to $150,000. Once he studies this
information, he will call her. If she wishes to further appeal her assessment, she may attend the Anoka
County Board of Equalization.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated that it appeared that values are up about 15% throughout the city. Mr.
Brown stated that statistics are on page 14 of the county's report show estimated market value with and
without new improvements.
Councilmember Schmitt stated that bank sales and foreclosures do affect property values. Mr. Brown
stated 50olo were bank and foreclosures in the past few years, and there is a big turnaround now.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DESIRED
tvtr. niorrn will review information o, +oToFst.eet N.E., and report back to the homeowner and City
Council what he finds out. If the resident wishes to appeal her assessment after that, she may attend the
Anoka County Board of Equalization.
Being no further citizens were in attendance to raise questions on their assessments, a motion was called
for from the council.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Diehm, to adopt the 2014
Assessment Rolls as presented and amended. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at7:15 p.m
Respectfully submitted,
Carole J. Blowers
Secretary Pro Tem
COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH