04-20-2011 Council Minutes Local Board of Appeal & Equalization

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO 2011 LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday, April 20, 2011 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL The Orono Board of Appeal and Equalization met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Lili Tod McMillan and Council Member Cynthia Bremer. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, Finance Director Ron Olson, and Recorder Jackie Young. Hennepin County Assessors Nate Stulc and Michael Smerdon were present. Council Member Doug Franchot arrived at 7:08 p.m. Mayor McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. McMillan indicated the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization's meeting tonight is to provide a forum in which property owners can appeal their valuation or classification or both. Only 2011 property valuations are within the jurisdiction of the board tonight. McMillan stated any changes made by the Board must be substantiated by facts and that any value reductions must be justified since they result in a shifting of the tax burden to other properties within the jurisdiction. McMillan explained the procedure to be followed tonight by those in attendance. McMillan requested the county assessor explain the difference between the open book meeting law and tonight's format. McMillan noted the City Council is thinking about going to the open book type forum next year. Stulc stated the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization is an appointed board, which in this case is the City Council and Mayor. An open book forum would consist of the assessors meeting with the • homeowners on a one -on -one basis and explaining their valuations. It would be more informal than in the case of the local board. Stulc stated the different steps in the appeal process are to first contact your local assessor, then appear at the local board, followed by the county board, and then filing in Minnesota Tax Court. Under the local board format, in order to be able to attend the county board, a property owner would need to be on the agenda for the local board. In the case of an open book hearing, the property owner would not have to attend in order to proceed forward to the county. Bremer noted that some other local cities have already gone to the open book type hearing, such as Spring Park. Stulc indicated that Shorewood, Minnetrista, Hopkins, Golden Valley, and Rogers are utilizing the open book forum currently. In order for a city to do the open book hearing, they would need to contract with the county assessor's office, which the City of Orono does. Bremer asked if anyone in the audience has an opinion regarding whether Orono should go with the open book forum versus the local board of appeals. John Bessesen stated in his opinion it is important for the members of the city council to hear the comments of the residents and to be an advocate for them. Bremer noted the Council would be present at the open book hearing and that it is a less formal way to deal with the issues of valuation that a property owner may raise. • Page 1