04-15-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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=1 46 MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7:00 o'clock p.m. Crosby stated 560 Centerview Lane is another comparable. Kunik asked what city that is located in. Crosby stated that is located in Mound. White requested Mr. Crosby discuss his valuation with the Assessor's Value at another date. White stated he understands the need to appear at tonight's meeting prior to going to the County Board. White noted Orono has the lowest tax rate in the seven county metro area and that they have safe schools and roads. Orono also has the lowest number of staff members employed of any of the cities in Hennepin County. White stated in his view the City is doing their best to keep the costs of the City down. Crosby stated he would like to see one channel property that is similar to his that sold for more money than what his property has been valued at. Kunik stated he could find a channel property that is assessed at the same or higher than Mr. Crosby's but that it is difficult to find one that sold within the required time period. Kunik stated the Assessor's Office will look into Mr. Crosby's situation but that the property values throughout the City are set based on the sales. 3. Heather Johnston, 3285 Crystal Bay Road, PID 17- 117 -23 41 -0015 Johnston stated her property is located on the lake and that she experienced an increase of 16.7 percent this year. Johnston indicated she did leave a message with the Assessor's Office on April 6"', April 7"', and April 8"', and that she was told they would call her back for an appointment. The Assessor's Office did call back on April 8`h, but Nate stated that her property is valued at the current market rate and that they would not be reducing her property. Johnston indicated she did compile some comparables but was unable to find any sold properties that were comparable, so she looked at the difference in land values. Her land is valued at $900,000 A similar property in her neighborhood located at 3285 Crystal Bay Road is valued at $629,700. Johnston noted her house was constructed in 1920 and is only valued at $10,000, which, is why she did not compare house values. The taxes on-her lot are $8,101.77 and the taxes on 3205 are $6,396.74. The property located at 3215 Crystal Bay Road has approximately 30 more feet of lakeshore, more acreage, and was refinanced in March at $780,000. Another comparable at 3345 Crystal Bay Road was listed at $899,000, an offer was received at $850,000, and its estimated market value was $956,000. The taxes on that property are $7,768.00. Johnston noted her land value is $300,000 more than that property. Johnston indicated another comparable located at 3399 Crystal Bay Road just went on the market for $787,500. The land value is $663,800, for a total valuation of 800,600. The total tax is $7,164.24. Johnston noted the majority of the taxes for similar properties are approximately $1,100 less than hers. Johnston stated she also called the governor's office and spoke to a Mr. Meyer. She told him that she ' experienced a tax increase of 16.7 percent this year and was told that the Legislature is attempting to remove the 3.9 percent cap. PAGE 3