Commentary; Posted: 6/20/07
Assessors must be accountable in dealing with public
Ken Tolzmann
Guest Columnist
It could be said that taxation without representation is a fundamental American tradition. It was this lack of representation which prompted the colonists over 200 years ago to say “enough is enough.”
As we celebrate our 231st year as a nation, this central issue remains – are we being fairly represented?
As many of you are aware of, I served the city and former township of Forest Lake for 23 years as assessor.
Although I resigned that position a couple years ago, the phone still rings, currently from city taxpayers looking for some direction on who to call or what to do.
Obviously, there is a level of frustration over this lack of representation.
Most of us are familiar with property taxes, but not that many people really understand that the only purpose your market value serves, is to determine your individual “fair share” of the overall cost of local government.
Therefore, it is very important that the estimate of market value on your property tax statement is correct.
Since my beginnings in the local real estate business back in 1975, and as a local property tax assessor since 1982, I’ve seen many changes in the way state and local property taxes are administered.
Probably the biggest change, has been the conversion to what we call a computer assisted mass appraisal system.
Although it made annual calculations of land and building values much easier, it also in many cases relegated some property tax appraisers into the role of “data collectors,” with the final value conclusion left up to someone who may have never seen the property, or may have no idea where it is located.
In my experience, the odds of an accurate estimate of value are much greater where one appraiser has personally viewed the property, is knowledgeable of the area, and has the professional knowledge to determine the overall sources of value.
Consequently, how do you know if you’re being fairly represented?
In my opinion it starts with asking questions and ends with getting some answers.
Your assessor should be able to explain and defend their conclusion of value in such a way that it can be readily understood. If he/she is unwilling to sit down with you, provide you the current information used to come up with the value, and answer your questions, in my opinion, you are not being fairly represented.
Accountability to the public to which we serve should be the top priority. Lack of such accountability can only fester anger and distrust in a system that is sworn to absolute fairness. In conclusion, it’s the right of every American to be fairly represented under taxation, but sometimes we need to demand it.
It is my sincere hope that any problems that currently exist within the city of Forest Lake’s property tax system can be resolved by the city in the best interests of the residents of the city.
You see, it’s all really very simple.
As civil servants, you need to go the extra mile to represent those you serve.
Best wishes to the city of Forest Lake, for a joyous 4th of July Celebration!
Ken Tolzmann lives in Wyoming Township and is a former Forest Lake City Assessor.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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