04-21-2010 Council Packet Board of Appeal/Equalization

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Benefits for the property owner Property owners often find that the open book meeting is less intimidating than presenting their appeal to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. They often appreciate the fact that they can have their questions answered in a more private setting, and not have to be apprehensive about making a presentation in front of theirfriends and neighbors. In this one-on-one setting, property owners may spend as much time with the appraiser as they need. They can compare the value of their home with the values of similar homes owned by their neighbors. The process is very efficient because concerns and questions are often resolved immediately. Property owners can see that the appraiser collects the same information on all properties, reassuring them that the process is the same for everyone, and they have not been singled out for a value increase. Property owners who are not satisfied with the "open book" approach may appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization and/or appeal to Tax Court. It is only a recommendation that the property owner attend the open book meeting to discuss concerns prior to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. In a jurisdiction that does not have a Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, the property owner is not required to attend an open book meeting in order to appeal to the County Board of Appea! and Equalization. Benefits for the local board The benefit for the local board is that an open book meeting saves time for board members. It eliminates the need for the board to become familiar with and educated on the local real estate market. Board members will be able to spen� this time concentrating on their other duties as town board or city council members. In addition, board members can avoid confrontational situations �v�� constituents and will no longer be put into difficult situations by having to mar:� decisions about the property values or classifications of property owned by friends and neighbors. . Benefits for the county While the number of appeals made at the open book meeting may not be less than the number of appeals to the local board, the benefit for the county is that the open book process allows for immediate consideration of issues, and in many cases, appeals are resolved before the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. The process is efficient for the county because it can often consolidate several jurisdictions into one meeting (or a series of ineetings) instead of holding at least one meeting in each jurisdiction. Copred from tfre MN Dept of Revenue Local Board of Appea!Equalization Handbook.