HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972 06-07 CCM Board of Equalization Minutes of the Proceedings of the City
Council of the City of Brooklyn Center
In the County of Hennepin and State of
Min
June 7, 1072
The City Council met as the Board of Equalization and was called to
order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7 :32 P.M.
Roll Call: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Ausen and Heck. Also present
were: City Manager Donald Poss, Director of Public Works James Merila,
City Assessor John Nordberg, and Administrative Assistant Daniel Hartman.
Mayor Cohen commented that pursuant to Minnesota State Statutes,
,,,Chapter 274 and the City Charter, Section 7.04, the City Council sits as
the Board of Equalization to review assessments of property for taxation purposes.
He further commented that the notice of the time and place of the meeting of the
Board of Equalization had been published and posted as required by law.
The City Manager was requested to review the process of property
taxation in Minnesota. He stated that the property taxation procedures are
established by the Minnesota Legislature which vests administrative control of
all taxation within the State with the Commissioner of Taxation. The Legislature
further provides for a system of tax administration involving county assessors
and local assessors in certain cities and villages. It was pointed out that the
State Tax Commissioner is empowered to supervise all subordinate assessors
within the state and to develop taxation rides and regulations having the force
of law.
The City Manager further explained that the 1971 Legislature made
numerous changes in the State Tax Laws and he proceeded to describe some of
the changes. He emphasized that State Laws require that all properties must
be assessed at market value.
Mayor Cohen then called upon City Assessor John Nordber g for his
annual assessrwmt report. Mr. Nordberg proceeded to describe the valuation
and equalization program conducted by his department during recent months.
He stressed the fact that market value trends are established by property sales,
citing numerous examples of home sales creating an inflationary effect' upon the
overall market.
'Councilman Heck inquired about the techniques used in arriving at
market value of property. Mr. Nordberg responded that a major tool consisted
of State maintained records on all sales of property within the State, pointing out
that it is now a State Law that such sales transactions be recorded. He also
pointed out that the City of Brooklyn Center subscribes to certain real estate
services which provide current and factual information regarding property trans -
actions in Brooklyn Center. The Assessor stressed that the equalization of property
values within the community was a very important factor in the appraisal process.
Mayor Cohen then invited citizens in attendance to comment. Pt was
requested that property owners wishing to object to their assessed valuation be
prepared to submit evidence of their position.
Mayor Cohen revognized Mr. A. M. Gandel, 6412 Humboldt Avenue forth,
who inquired whether pro) .mitt' of the freeway was taken into consideration when
his .property -vas assessed. The Assessor responded that recent home sales along
eke freeway in Brooklyn Center reflected little inrYuence clue to freeway proximity.
In the absence of any evidence to dispute the Assessor's valuation of his property,
Mr. Gandel was invited to further discuss the freeway factor with the Assessor
after the meeting.
Mayor Cohen then recognized Mr. Roy Johnson, 6520 Bryant Avenue
North, who inquired whether possible detrimental effects of living alongside
a multiple dwelling complex was considered in arriving at the valuation of his
property. The Assessor responded that there was no evidence in recent property
transactions to indicate that proximity to multiple dwelling complexes had a
detrimental effect on property value. -1-
Mayor Cohen next recognized Mrs. Paul Lindstedt, 5730 Camden Avenue
North, who inquired whether the Assessor considered the proximity of her property
to a future freeway in arriving at the valuation of the property. The Assessor
responded that there was no evidence in terms of Brooklyn Center property sales
to suggest that proximity to a future freeway had an effect on market value.
Discussion ensued between the Councilmen and City Assessor, after
which the Mayor noted that there had been no requests filed by property owners
for review of their assessed valuation.
The City Manager described the appeal process available to anyone
aggrieved by the valuations established by the City Assessor.
Motion by Councilman Heck and seconded by Councilman Ausen to
note for the record that no requests were filed by property owners for a review
of assessed valuation. Voting is favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen
Ausen and Heck. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Councilman Ausen and seconded by Councilman Heck
to adjourn the Board of Equalization for 1972. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen,
Councilmen Ausen and Heck. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 P.M.
Clerk
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