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| Property owners complain that FL valuations out of line |
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| Wednesday, 22 April 2009 | |
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Jennifer Larson Staff Writer Time after time, property owners complained at the city of Forest Lake Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting on Monday, April 20 that local valuations are out of line given the current state of the economy. Officials with Washington County and the city, including Mayor Stev Stegner and council members Bo Bogotty and Jackie McNamara, were on hand to address some of the concerns had by Forest Lake residents on a case by case basis. Property owners were afforded an opportunity to review and challenge, if necessary, their estimate of market value and/or classification that will be used for taxations purposes in the following year. The notices for payable tax values for 2010 were mailed recently. According to Sam Scott, the county’s lead appraiser in the city of Forest Lake, approximately 70 appeal sheets were given out. A total of 10 letters were also submitted. The board of appeals and equalization will reconvene during the Forest Lake City Council’s regular meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. At that time, the council can accept changes as recommended by the county assessor division. Public protests Wayne and Kristi Roetzel, 7646 Hilo Lane N., believe the value of their home has decreased by nearly $300,000 since they purchased it in October 2006 for around $925,000. Their estimated market value for 2010 is $768,200. Stegner noted the Roetzel’s bought high, before the bubble in the housing market burst. “We know we did,” said Kristi Roetzel. They told Scott their conclusion was drawn based on neighboring properties. However, Scott said the Roetzel’s might not be factoring in such things as square footage and if the basement is finished, which can impact the value. Estimated market values established through the 2010 assessments are based upon actual real estate market trends of Washington County properties between October 2007 through September 2008. The law requires that all real property be assessed at market value, which is defined as the usual or most likely selling price. Scott said the last time the county flagged the Roetzel’s home to be appraised, which has to be done on each property in Forest Lake every five years, was in August 2006. That was right before they had purchased the home. Scott said he’s not sure if there would be an adjustment to their valuation, but would set up an appointment to come out to the Roetzel’s property in the near future. Jeans case Bill Jeans Sr., 7814 Scandia Trail N. (TH-97) wanted to discuss the classification and estimated market value of a vacant lot in Section 22. He owns the parcel that is about 35 acres in size. Jeans said the property is classified non-homestead residential even though he has a pasture. Scott said the lot would have to be actively farmed to be classified Agriculture. If that is the intent, he said Jeans would need to submit a plan that the county could review before the lot classification could even possibly be changed. Jeans also questioned the estimated market value of $392,400 for payable 2010, which is a decrease from $403,200 the previous year. Scott said the valuation is influenced by an influx of development in that area. Tim Schmitz said he was trying to sell this home, located at 6450 N. 236th St. Ct., over the last three years, lowering the price to its current listing around $145,000. His point was the estimated market value may be going down but not at the same rates homes are declining. Scott will be taking another look at Schmitz’s property, which is good enough for the homeowner. “I didn’t expect to make any great strides,” said Schmitz. What to do Property owners have two options if they feel their property assessment is incorrect. The county may return to the assessed property to review it again. If the property owner is still not satisfied after speaking with the council and county officials, as well as the appraiser, they can appear before the Washington County Board of Appeal and Equalization. However, property owners can only appeal to the county board after they’ve already appealed to the city board. All property owners are asked to notify the assessor’s office to be placed on the agenda during the County’s Board of Appeal and Equalization scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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