05-08-2006 Council Packet Reconvened Board of Appeal/Equalization

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� MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday,Apri119, 2006 7:00 o'clock p.m. Peterson stated Orono's rate of increase at 9.5% shows that the City's valuations over the past few years have been on target. Murphy pointed out the City does not make the law and that there is something not right about basing property values at what property sells for. Murphy commented that Mr. Ericson should decide what path he wants to take with regard to his valuation. White stated the taxes should be based more on the services used by a particular person. Mayor Peterson inquired whether it would be worthwhile for the assessor to visit the property again. Ericson stated he has made no changes since last year and that he is merely putting his comments on the record. 2. Carol Sandberg, 1380 North Arm Drive,PID 0811723320025. Sandberg indicated she is happy being a resident of the City of Orono and that the City has a very good building inspector. Sandberg stated the value of her new improvements for 2006 is listed at $8000 for this year and inquired whether that increase is from the kitchen remodel that was done two years ago. Sandberg questioned where that number comes from. Sandberg stated her market value for 2005 was $245,000 and for 2006 it is $273,000, which is a little over 10 percent. Sandberg stated they have a tuck-under garage and that in her opinion anyone that purchases her property would tear down the house. Sandberg indicated she has been unemployed ior the past year and inquired whether her taxes could be decreased. White inquired how old the house is. Sandberg stated it was built around 1950. Davy noted they have not reviewed this property. The City Council requested the assessor visit the Sandberg property. 3. Nancy Danko, 1510 Green Trees Road,PID 11-117-23 23 0015. Danko stated she went to the bother of looking up what she feels are comparables to her property. Danko noted her house has been determined to be lakeshore and inquired why it is determined to be lakeshore. Davy stated the access to the lake would be sold with the house. Davy stated that lakeshore classi�ed property is taxed no differently than residential property. Danko stated she pays two bills and that this particular house is not lakeshore. Danko stated she brought a list of comparable homes and would provide it to the assessor to determine whether her property valuation should be reduced based on the comparables. Davy stated he would look the comparables over and would contact her. Danko noted that one comparable has a valuation of ovet• �200,000 more than hers but yet the taxes paid are approximately the same. Nancy stated that if you have a million dollar property, it should be PAGE 3