04-15-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7:00 o'clock p.m. Mullins stated the 3400 Fox Street property experienced a decrease in the assessed value of the land between January of 2008 to January of 2009 of $500,000 or 11 percent. Additionally, the property at 3350 Fox Street experienced a 10 percent decrease. Their property located at 3250 Fox Street, which is a long, narrow lot, contains wetlands, has a steep slope, scrub trees, contains less than 200 feet on the lake, increased by $135,000, which resulted in their value increasing from $2.7 million to $2.835 million. Murphy indicated that would be approximately five percent. McMillan asked if she has spoken with the Assessor's Office. Mullins stated she did not speak in detail with the Assessor's Office. The City Council requested the Assessor's Office review the property and Ms. Mullins' information. Mullins stated historically they have experienced a significant jump in their land values and that there is no justification in the marketplace for the increase. Mullins indicated she has an issue with the land value for 3250 Fox Street, which contains the house. They were told at the time they purchased the home that it was a tear down by the realtor but they are still living in the house. Mullins indicated they do have some issues with the house. Mr. Lueck complimented his wife on her work in compiling the information. 29. Kevin Bjork, 4650 Creekwood Trail, PID 30- 118 -23 33 0006 Stulc stated he did speak with Mr. Bjork earlier in the evening. 30. Ann and Charles Hommeyer, 465 Linden Avenue, PID 06- 117 -23 410109 Charles Hommeyer stated they have resided here since 1984 and their taxes have doubled in the last five years. Up until the last couple of years, they didn't complain about the valuation because the houses were selling at the approximate value that they were valued at. Hommeyer stated if they do not experience a significant decrease next year, they will be back. Hommeyer indicated he did compile some comparables but he was told by Mr. Kunik that they were not true comparables. Mrs. Hommeyer stated she was told that they could not include foreclosed properties or short sales but was not sure why Kunik stated until the property sells, they do not know what the sale price will be. In addition, the comparable needs to fall within the required time period. Stulc stated a short sale would not be included because the person is going to go to their bank saying that they are going to go into foreclosure and would like to sell their mortgage short. The homeowners have to provide all their information that they are in fact losing their home and it then becomes a foreclosure property. 49 The City Council requested the Assessor's Office review the Hommeyers' property. • PAGE 14