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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 06-09 CCM Board of Equalization MINUTES .OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA BOARD OF EQUALIZATION JUNE 9, 1975 CITY HALL Call to Order The City Council met as the Board of Equalization and was called to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Mayor Philip Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Fignar, Kuefler and Jensen. Also present were City Manager Donald Pose, City Assessor John Nordberg and Ad mini.strative Assistants Ron Warren and James Lacina Purpose of the Board Mayor Cohen referred to Chapter 274 of the Minnesota of Equalization Statutes and to the City Charter which authorize the City Council to sit as the Board of Equalization to review assessments of property for taxation purposes. Review of Process of The City Manager reviewed State law and regulations Property Taxation outlining property taxation procedures. He noted that the property owner's first appeal for alleged tax inequity is to the local Board of Equalization. The next step would be to the County Board; following that, the Commissioner of Revenue and finally to the courts. He stated that each claim of unfair tax assessment should be supported by evidence submitted to the hearing body. He briefly reviewed the assessment procedure and the operation of the Assessor's office. He noted that over the last five years the City of Brooklyn Center has completed.a property value equalization program such that each parcel has been visited by the Assessor to compile an accurate and current valuation of all parcels in the City. He then reviewed the State law which provides for a limitation of 5% increased valuation per year on individual properties. He noted that this present law created severe inequities in property tax valuations. He described pro - posed changes in a tentative Omnibus Tax Law which has not been signed by the Governor to date. He stated that the Omnibus Tax Bill for 1975 contained several features which would drastically change the taxation procedure. He then commented that the City Assessor does not establish taxes as is often erroneously thought by taxpayers. He noted that the city, county, school districts, and various other elected officials actually determine the amount of money that is needed. He stated that each property owner annually receives a card from the Assessor stating the current market value of the respective property and the limited value which represents the artificially restrained 5% increase. Councilman Fignar inquired as to the authority of the City Council as the Board of Equalization. The City Manager responded that the Board of Equalization hears evidence in dispute of the Assessor's valuation and has the authority to adjust that tax, a disputed valuation. He cautioned, however, that adjustment should only be made based upon fact and evidence, Mayor Cohen next recognized City Aasessor John Nordberg, Mr. Nordberg briefly reviewed the valuation process. Mayor Cohen then opened the Meeting up for public inquiry, -1- 6 -9-75 Mayor Cohen recognized Mr. Elroy Barthel, 5640 Fremont Avenue North. Mr. Barthel noted a concern for the senior citizens and the procedures involved in property tax freeze Mr. Nordberg responded by noting that senior citizens' property taxes have been frozen at 1 973 rate. He further commented that if Mr. Barthel wished additional details to contact him regarding such. Mayor Cohen next recognized Mr. Bert Peterson, 7242 Halifax Avenue North, who questioned the valuation of his property and the method employed to determine the valuation. Mr. Nordberg responded and subsequently agreed to meet with Mr. Peterson to review his property records in detail. Mayor Cohen next recognized Mr. Lloyd Rank, 361.9 Commodore Drive. Mr. Rank inquired as to the possible effect of the Omnibus Tax Bill on property valuations. The City Manager responded that if the Governor does not sign the 1975 Omnibus Tax Bill, the present valuations indicated on the notice cards would be in effect. He stated that the proposed law provides for a 10% annual increase instead of a 5'% increase in valuation or 25% of the difference between the old limited value and the new market value, whichever is greater. Mayor Cohen next recognized Mr. Craig Norenberg, 7242 Emerson Avenue North. Mr. Norenberg inquired as to when the increased value would be in effect and when the taxes levied against the value would be payable. The City Assessor responded by noting that the assessment would apply to taxes payable in 1976. Mayor Cohen next recognized Gary Grove, 6520 Ewing Avenue North. Mr. Grove inquired as to the limited value and the 5% increase per year. The City Manager responded by another description of the 5% increase limitation. He again reviewed the proposed changes in the 1975 tax bill which comprehended property tax relief features through increased welfare and school aids Mayor Cohen then recognized Arthur. Smith, 6013 Xerxes Avenue North. Mr, Smith noted that he felt his assessed valuation had increased exhorbitantly over the years. The City Manager responded that the Assessor was not concerned with the increase over the years, but rather, with the current .market value of the parcel. He alluded to the effect of the inflationary economy on the increased value of real estate® Mr. Nordberg then completed his annual report. Mayor Cohen then cited a State law which deals with the Procedure of Board procedures for the Board of Equalization stating that the of Equalization Board could take up to 20 days to complete its business. Motion by Councilman Kuefler, seconded by Councilman Adjournment Britts to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor were; Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar and Jensen. Voting against. none. The motion passed unanimously. The City Council adjourned at 8m25 p.m. Clerk Mayor I 6 -9 -75 -2_ i