04-23-2003 Council Minutes Local Board of Appeal & Equalization

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• • • MINUTES OF THE ORONO LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION MEETING Wednesday, April 23, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL The Orono Local Board of Appeal and Equalization met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Acting Mayor Bob Sansevere, Council Members Jim Murphy, Jim White, and Jay Nygard; Representing staff was City Administrator Ron Moorse and Recorder Kristi Anderson. Hennepin County Appraisers Kim Jensen and Kevin Wynn were present. Mayor Barbara Peterson was absent. Acting Mayor Sansevere called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. APPEALS Acting Mayor Sansevere explained that appeals would be heard in the order in which persons arrived and signed in at the Council Chambers. He suggested that residents who have not yet contacted the City to have a second review by the appraisers performed prior to this evening, should do so. He recommended that review of these additional properties take place prior to Council hearing them on May 12, 2003 at its reconvened Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting. Moorse asked the assessors to provide background of the appeal process. Jensen explained that the 2003 valuation year was extremely busy as the appraisers implemented a new system. Over the past year, they have strived to work out the kinks which might have caused qualities to be assessed too high. In addition, input error and numerous refinancing appraisals have put additional burden on the appraiser's office. Jensen indicated that they use the mass appraisal process which is subject to individual review. Since valuations were completed, the appraiser's office received 155 calls, performed 73 reviews, and made 53 adjustments to a lower valuation. Jensen noted that lakeshore properties' assessed value rose an average 17.7 %, while off - lakeshore properties grew 10.7 %, with commercial at 14.7 %. Sansevere asked what the review process entailed beyond the City Council level. Jensen stated that the County Board of Review was scheduled for June 16, 2003, and appeals could be heard by appointment, if received by June 9, at that time. Beyond the County, Jensen indicated that appeals could be heard by the Minnesota Tax Court. Sansevere encouraged seniors over 65 to investigate relief options via a senior property tax deferral program which entitles them to pay a portion, $450 in taxes, and defer the remainder until the property is sold. Jensen reminded the public that the board can increase, decrease, or choose to make no change during the review process. She added that, typically, valuation increases would not happen until the following year, say 2004 in this case. She requested that the Local Board make a recommendation PAGE 1 of 6