May 10, 2007 Tax Equalization
SURREY CITY COUNCIL
TAX EQUALIZATION MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2007
Present were Council Members Terry Johnson, Dana Larsen, Kevin Nelsen, Jarvis Sasse and Laura Volk. Also present were Assessor Don Siebert and City Auditor Elaine Christianson. Absent were Mayor Steve Fennewald and Council Member Blaine Klein.
Council President Larsen called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
City Assessor Don Siebert presented the taxable valuations. The council reviewed the assessments. Residential structures will increase an average of 9.0% for Surrey, due to the strong housing market. Siebert indicated that the median taxable values are 85.4% of actual sales. In 2006, the high sale was $163,000, the low sale was $32,000, and the average sale price was $116,200. Siebert has about 15 homes in Surrey that have not been personally inspected either because the assessor’s office was turned away or the homeowner never contacted the assessor’s office after multiple notices.
Council President Larsen opened comments from the floor.
Resident Kevin Hockhalter (SY000019000020 – Lot 2 Holland Addition) inquired about his increase of $18,000 from $89,200 to $107,200. After examining Hockhalter’s property card, Siebert indicated that a house almost identical to Hockhalter’s sold in 2006 for $110,000.
Residents Leslie and Kathleen Gregg (SY000012000020 – Lot 2 Wenz Third Addition) inquired about their increase of $54,000 from $94,400 to $148,400. After examining Gregg’s property card, Siebert explained that the Assessor’s office was refused entrance into the home so the value was estimated. Much discussion held. Council advised Greggs to make an appointment with Assessor’s office to have the property reevaluated.
Resident Merle Radke (SY000034000340 – Lot 34 Mahoney’s 4th Addition) inquired about his increase of $34,600 from $124,200 to $158,800. After examining Radke’s property card, Siebert suggested Council make a reduction from $158,800 to $148,800 based on square footage.
Residents Evan and Dawn Halden (SY000013000070 – Lot 7 Wenz Fourth Addition) inquired about their increase of $17,800 from $113,600 to $131,400. After examining Halden’s property card, Siebert indicated that he had another home that had a comparable sale. Much discussion was held regarding Halden’s neighbor’s property regarding true and full value and being undervalued. Again, Siebert indicated that 2006 sales can support Halden’s $131,400.
Resident Lonnie Berg (SY000033000080 – Lot 8 Eric’s First Addition) inquired about his increase of $29,000 from $102,000 to $131,000. Much discussion held about private appraisals that were performed in 2004 and 2006 on Berg’s property, neighbor’s true and full values and the additional garage stall on Berg’s property. Siebert suggested Council make a reduction from $131,000 to $121,000 based on square footage.
Resident Ken Johnson (SY195U06000000 – W1/2 Outlot 22 in SE1/4NW1/4 Section 19) inquired about his increase of $37,000 from $105,400 to $142,400. Johnson had called Siebert’s office and Siebert was able to reevaluate the property prior to the meeting. Johnson’s home is a modular home and not a stick built home as indicated on the property card. Siebert suggested Council make a reduction from $142,400 to $122,800.
Resident Cindy Fennewald (SY000019000090 – Lot 9 Holland Addition) inquired about her increase of $24,800 from $101,200 to $126,000. After examining Fennewald’s property card, Siebert indicated that he had another home that had a comparable sale that could support Fennewald’s $126,000.
No further comments from the floor.
No further comments from Council Members.
Sasse made a motion to change the following True and Full Values:
SY000034000340 – Lot 34 Mahoney’s 4th Addition to $148,800
SY000033000080 – Lot 8 Eric’s First Addition to $121,000
SY195U06000000 – W1/2 Outlot 22 in SE1/4NW1/4 Section 19 to $122,800
Volk seconded. Roll call vote: Volk-aye; Sasse-aye; Nelsen-aye; Johnson-abstain. Three ayes, one abstain, motion carried.
Nelsen made a motion to approve the remaining taxable valuation assessments for the 2006 tax year. Volk seconded. Roll call vote: Volk-aye; Sasse-aye; Nelsen-aye; Johnson-aye. All aye, motion carried.
Sasse made a motion to adjourn. Volk seconded. All aye, meeting adjourned at 8:45p.m.
THESE MINUTES HAVE NOT YET BEEN APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL.