WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION, APRIL 8, 2019

WILMA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION, APRIL 8, 2019

Chairman Glen Williamson called the meeting to order at 1:15 pm at the Wilma Town Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance. County Assessor Lorri Houtsma and Wilma Assessor Bob Brewster attended, plus Supervisor Gary Vink, Patrice Winfield, Pat Story and Clerk Paul Raymond.

Paul read the record of last year’s Board of Equalization. Gary moved to approve; Glen seconded.

Pat Story, Parcel R32.5084. Pat questioned how the estimated market value is determined and where are these records kept? Bob explained that estimated market values are based on a sales study of qualifying sales; the assessor has to set values at 90% – 105% of sales in the previous year, October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. The assessment records are stored at the assessor’s office in the courthouse. Qualifying Sales have a CRD, Certificate of Deed filed with the Auditor who gives it to the Assessor. Excluded sales are family sales, forced foreclosures, and token sales. The increase in EMV for the 33 townships in Pine County is set by the sales in each township the previous year and a half ago, and must be set between 90 – 105%. Ours is 90.3%, which is low. The only actual increases in Pat’s market value would be if he had an inspection and had added buildings or other changes, and he didn’t.

Patrice Winfield, Parcel R32.013: Patrice said her estimated values usually rise 2 or 3% but for next year they went up 4.5%. Bob said some people’s values rise differently from the person next door because swamp land and high ground and other classifications rise at different rates, but essentially the increases are evenly and fairly distributed among taxpayers. If anyone’s actual taxes increase it is because their levies changed; either the township or county or school.

Gary Vink, Parcel R32.0079, Duxbury Store and Bar: Bob said that most commercial assessments went up in 2019, but in 2007 the County Assessor Troy Stewart came out and lowered the value of the store 20% since it is not open year-around, and the bar only during hunting season. Parcel R32:1041, the Farm: Gary said he applied to put the land under the county forest plan, but this doesn’t show up on his 2020 appraisal. Lorri looked up Gary’s application online and said he submitted it in December, 2018 and the deadline for 2019 was before last May., but she did approve his application and it will apply in future years and reduce Gary’s taxes by 35%. The number to contact the forester to get a managed Forest Management Plan 2C is Paul Swanson at 320-216-4245.

Two Trailers at Two Creeks: Propertys M32.8900.08 and M32.8900.03: Both trailers were appraised as personal property since their tags were not current. They both have since renewed their tabs and Glen moved to remove them from the tax roles; Gary seconded.

Assessor Certification: Gary’s certification is good through 2020 and Glen was re-certified this past year, for three years.

Gary moved to adjourn; Glen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2.00 p.m.

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Paul Raymond, Clerk

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Attested to: Glen Williamson, Chair