OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
MARSHALL COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
JUNE 17, 2008
MARSHALL COUNTY BOARDROOM
*UNNAPPROVED MINUTES*
The Marshall County Board of Equalization met on June 17th, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. The following members were present: Commissioners Gary Kiesow, Sharon Bring, Ken Borowicz, LeRoy Vonasek, and Auditor-Treasurer Scott Peters. Also present were County Assessor JoAnn Kerian, Assessor employee Russ Steer and Recording Secretary Domita Taus.
Marshall County Court Administrator Jan Johnston administered the Oath of Office to the Board of Equalization.
Chairman Carlson opened the meeting.
County Assessor Kerian presented County value information to the Board regarding changes in values, State Board recommendations, land sales and maps showing percentages of change. Ms. Kerian updated the Board on information from the Township Board of Equalization meetings held this spring.
Asessor Kerian presented a letter from Ann Kaye Borg, Cedar Township, stating her disagreement with the value of her property. Mr. Steer explained the reason for the change in value on Ms. Borg’s property and that it was consistent with similar properties in the area. The Board approved to not make any adjustments in value on Ms. Borg’s property. M/S/C- Bring, Vonasek
Alvarado City representatives Gary Toren and Darryl Nelson requested an adjustment on the apartment buildings in their city due to the buildings not being utilized and foreclosure actions on the property and due to their poor condition. The Board approved to lower the value of the 3 apartment buildings in question to $5,000.00 each. M/S/C- Borowicz, Kiesow Mr. Toren also discussed the Alvarado location factor. Home values increased by about 17% for the city. Considering there are no services available in Alvarado Mr. Toren and Mr. Nelson request to lower values of the homes in Alvarado. Assessor Kerian responded that the values as listed are reflective of the market value. The Board took no action on lowering home values due to location factor.
Dale and Debra Holtan addressed the Board questioning why their property values have increased so much in New Solum Township. They indicated that the house has increased over $80,000 and should be lowered as this is not reflective of a similar home in this area. They also feel the classification of their garage is incorrect, as it is in poor condition, and should be adjusted. The Board lowered the value of the garage on the Holtan property to $500. M/S/C – Bring, Kiesow The Assessor will review the comparable values of homes in the area.
Tom and Oka Omdahl addressed the Board to discuss the value on their home, by changing the classification from a D-7 to a D-7.5, causing a 30% increase in value. They request to change their classification back to a D-7. Russ Steer provided information explaining the classification change was needed to maintain the value to comparable home values and that this is a practice that has occurred on other homes over time throughout the County. The Board approved to leave the classification as recommended by the Assessor’s Office to keep in line with comparable home values. M/S/C- Bring, Kiesow
Assessor Kerian informed the Board that Donovan Pietruszewski had appealed his value at the Township Board of Equalization but due to his father Gordon Piestruszewski being on the town board, the township board could not vote on the appeal and this action needed to come to the County Board of Equalization for consideration. The Board approved the appeal for Mr. Pietruszewski. M/S/C- Borowicz. Vonasek
The Board reviewed comparable home values to that of the Dale Holtan home and approved to lower the value on the Holtan home by $17,000.00. M/S/C- Borowicz, Vonasek
The Board of Equalization meeting adjournment was approved at 7:00 p.m. M/S/C- Borowicz, Kiesow