Tax Equalization Meeting
04/17/2014,
Apple Creek Township Tax Equalization Meeting
April 17, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Paul Zent. Chairman Zent introduced the township supervisors Ken Selzler and Kerry Olson. Also introduced were Bob Ehler, President of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. and Ryan Ehli of Vanguard Appraisal.
Chairman Zent explained the purpose of the tax equalization meeting, some information about mill levies and that the taxes are divide between the school, Burleigh County, parks and the township. He pointed out that the property values will be used for the 2015 taxes. He informed the attendees that property values may be further appealed at the Burleigh County tax equalization meeting on June 2, 2014.
Bob Elher presented information about Vanguards appraisal methodology including property appraisal vs mass appraisal, cost approach to value and property obsolescence. He said that 18 employees had worked on this project. Parcel counts were; 1051 residential, 22 commercial improved, and 284 vacant land.
Appraisals were completed using their residential and their commercial listing guidelines including obsolescence. Sales ratios were based on 98 real estate transactions in Apple Creek Township. Based on the results the median ratio was 91.56 which is within the legislative requirements. He informed attendees that any changes in property values resulting from meetings with property owners would require approval from the apple Creek Township Board.
Chairman Zent informed attendees that agricultural property was not appraised by the township. It was valued based on a productivity formula developed by the state and NDSU. The informational portion of the meeting was concluded and property owners with questions or who wanted to appeal their property values were invited to come up individually and discuss their properties with the township board, and Vanguard’s Bob Ehler and Ryan Ehli.
Individual reviews concluded at approximately 11:00 PM.
Motion by Supervisor Selzler to approve the the property value changes. Seconded by Supervisor Olson. The motion was approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.