04-27-2009 Council Minutes Board of Appeal & Equalization

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E MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Monday, April 27, 2009 6:00 o'clock p.m. Murphy noted the mayor was reviewing the fair market analysis that was provided. Henrich stated those are the Assessor's numbers. Since the Assessor would not discuss his comparables, he was forced to use the Assessor's comparables and illustrate why those comparables should not be used. Murphy stated he was under the impression from the previous board of appeal and equalization that the Assessor's Office would be contacting every one of the residents that had an issue with their valuation, and that in his view a voice mail message is not adequate. Murphy stated he had assumed that in the majority of the cases the Assessor's Office would be visiting the properties personally and discussing the valuation with the residents. 'Murphy stated he does not feel qualified to determine a valuation tonight and recommended that the Assessor's Office review Mr. Henrich's information and visit the property. McMillan stated the Board is here to ensure that the residents receive a fair assessment and that it appears there was a gap in communication. McMillan agreed that as the next step the Assessor's Office should contact the residents and discuss their valuations with them, and that if the property owners are not satisfied with their valuation after that, that they could appeal their valuation before Hennepin County. McMillan indicated she is not aware whether water quality is taken into consideration when valuing properties, but that it appears that Assessor Stulc should review the information and contact the residents • personally. Mrs. Henrich pointed out that their property is also located on a bluff where the Assessor's comparables consist of flat lots. Their property is also smaller in size. McMillan asked when the appeals would be heard by the county. Stulc stated June 3rd is the deadline for applications to go before the County. Henrich reiterated that the Assessor's Office did not review his information nor visit his property. Henrich stated in his view his house is not of the same caliber as the houses chosen by the Assessor's Office. Murphy indicated he is in agreement with Mr. Henrich and that he has not had an opportunity to rebut the valuation provided by the Assessor's Office. Murphy requested the Assessor's Office visit the property and review all the information. Stulc stated he would contact Mr. Henrich tomorrow. Heather Johnstone, 3285 Crystal Bay Road, PID 17- 117 -23 410015 Johnstone indicated she did not receive a call from the Assessor's Office and that she also had the understanding that the meeting was scheduled for this Wednesday. She contacted City Hall earlier today and was told that the meeting was scheduled for tonight. Johnstone noted three comparables were • provided last time but that she did find another comparable selling for $649,000 located on 2903 West Wood Road. The other comparables are located on Crystal Bay Road. PAGE 3