Tax Equalization Meeting
04/09/2012, 7:00PM
Members present: Ken Selzler, Chairman, and Paul Zent, Supervisor
Member absent: Kerry Olson, Supervisor
Others present: Roger Thompson, Assessor, and Elizabeth Patterson, Clerk
Chairman Selzler opened the meeting. He said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the bases for taxation in the township are equal for all. Chairman Selzler said there are ongoing discussions between the board and the assessor in Burleigh County regarding the equalization of taxes throughout the county and among the townships. The board will meet on an individual basis with residents who disagree with the notice of increase they received and see what can be done about large increases.
Discussion ensued regarding the fact that over the last six to seven years, the Legislative Assembly has been trying to equalize property values statewide. The goal for the county and the state is to assess property at a median 95% of true valuation of properties. The township has typically seen a 10% yearly increase in property values, but some increases this year were as much as 30%-50% or more.
Mr. Thompson said 352 notices of increase were sent to township residents. The notices were sent only if the increase was more than 10% or $3,000. The large increases were due to a number of factors, including the increase in land values, the increase in market values and the current real estate market, and the county’s attempt to equalize valuations.
Supervisor Zent said the board does not agree with the large increases and wants assessments in Burleigh County to be equal among all the townships. He encouraged residents to attend the county’s tax equalization meeting scheduled for May 4 to voice their concerns regarding tax increases.
The board and assessor then met individually with residents to discuss increases in assessments.
Ken Schon, 11701 Herman Drive, said the assessment of his property went up $27,000. They had recently appraised their home in order to refinance and the appraisal was no where near the assessed value. The board told Mr. Schon to contact Mr. Thompson with the appraisal and use that as the assessed value for their property.
Dave Wahl, 8700 Apple Creek Road, said his valuation increased $44,000 last year and $35,000 this year. He and the board agreed to a valuation of $198,000 – a $9,000 increase (5%).
Leon Meidinger, 8805 Pleasantview Road, had an increase of $71,000 (34%). He and the board agreed to a valuation of $215,000, an increase of $7,400.
Ed Baumann, 9105 Pleasantview Road, said his valuation was $225,000. He and the board agreed to a $20,000 increase (15%).
William Teply, 742 Aster, said his valuation was $38,000 for a 5 acre property with a pole barn and shop. He and the board agreed to a valuation of $28,800 – a $2,000 increase.
Mike Bossert, 5513 Southview Lane, had an increase of $25,500 (13.2%). He and the board agreed to an increase of $18,200 (9%).
Bonita & Leonard Brilz, 1111 14th Street, have a pasture and barns in the township. The assessor changed the land designation that was incorrectly stated in the assessment; therefore, no increase in valuation would occur.
Carla Domagala, 8550 Palimino Drive, said they purchased the property in January 2011 for $260,000 and the assessment they received now was 100% of valuation. They and the board agreed to an assessment of $255,000.
Rick Heck, 6011 East Main Street, said his property was assessed at $84,000, a 45% increase. He and the board agreed to a valuation of $62,900, an 8% increase.
Dale Sabinash, 10305 Apple Creek Road, had a 47% increase in valuation. He and the board agreed to an increase of $8,000 (10%).
Leo Keller, 144 Mees Lane, had an assessment of $227,000. He and the board agreed to an assessment of $193,600, an increase of $20,000 (11%).
Ryan Riehl, 2155 119th Street SE, had an assessment of $310,000. He and the board agreed to $276,000, an increase of $17,000 (7%).
Dave Thomason, 8802 Apple Creek Road, had an assessment of $145,000. He and the board agreed to an assessment of $127,300.
Mike Woodward, 8155 Brads Way, agreed with the board to an assessment of $161,700, an increase of $17,000 (11%).
Terry & Kathy Mauch, 8300 Pleasantview Road, had a valuation increase of just over 20%. They agreed with the board to a valuation of $175,600, an increase of $12,600 (8%).
Elmer Steiner, 6665 Eric Avenue, agreed with the board to an assessment of $188,600, an increase of $2,600.
Raven Miller, 8015 Sunnyview Road, said his valuation was $176,300, an increase of 12%. He said his insurance company would only insure the property at $155,000. He agreed with the board to a valuation of $165,200, an increase of 4.5%.
Barry Brilz, 4406 66th Street SE, had a valuation of $210,000. He agreed with the board to a valuation of $182,900, an increase of 20%.
Sharon Schumann, Pleasantview Road, had a valuation of $167,000. She agreed with the board to a valuation of $134,300, an increase of 17%.
Gerald Schmitt, 4805 53rd Street SE, had an assessment of $308,000. The assessment incorrectly included an additional home that was no longer on the property. After the correction was made, he agreed with the board to an assessment of $138,000.
Chuck Serr, 9011 Palimino Drive, had an assessment of $190,000, an increase of $19,500 for the residence and $3,000 for the land. He agreed with the board to an assessment of $183,800, an increase of 7%.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Patterson
Clerk, Apple Creek Township