No tax-payer appeals at County Board of Equalization meeting

 

The Clearwater County Board of Commissioners meeting and the Board of Equalization were held on  June 13, 2017. 

A moment of silence was held simultaneously to Remember with Honor former Clearwater Register of Deeds and Recorder LeRoy Larson, and Clearwater County Court Administrator Vernon Lundin. 

Mr. Larson was elected and served the residents here from August 15, 1964 to December 31, 1990. He recently died on May 28, 2017. 

Mr. Lundin served from January 1, 1972 until his retirement in 1993, and died recently on May 6, 2017. 

Board of Equalization: County Assessor Jamie Freeman and Deputy Assessor Eric Beier came to conduct the Board of Equalization meeting. No tax-payer appeals were brought to the meeting. 

County Wide, a 5% increase, except Long Lost Lake; Pine Lake Township, a 10% increase; and Popple Township, a 5% increase – on residential SRR land and structures  has been recommended by the State Board. 

“There is a really strong market right now,” stated Ms. Freeman. “There is more new construction this year than in 2016.”

A question was discussed regarding a local honey farm that does processing/extracting of honey that was denied agricultural tax basis. 

“This could be a (matter for) a tax-court case,” stated Commissioner Dan Stenseng, “as dairy farmers also process a raw product (milk) and ship it out. So does the honey farm.”

Shooting Star Casino is in the process of placing the casino parcel in Trust to give them an exempt classification. It is not complete at this time, and their attorney says it could take another two years, which Ms. Freeman says is a benefit to Clearwater County. 

Commissioner Neal Illies said, “The U.S. Law asserts the land be put into trust for the tribe.”

The Board included an Assessor's Overview, which points out that Minnesota Statutes dictate that all property be valued at its market value, which is determined by the assessor as the price the property would likely sell for on the open market. Assessor’s values (sales ratios) must fall between 90% and 105% of market, or must be raised or lowered. Six sales is considered a valid sample, or a three year history is used at times.

Another point in the summary states that the assessor is required by law to view each property at least once every five years. 

Eric Beier, Deputy Assessor, will complete education in August and will then have the required 12 months of assessment experience to be eligible to apply for a “Certified Minnesota Assessor” license. 

Jill Evje, Sr. Assessor Clerk, is also taking additional education.

The Assessor's office continues to work on the Vanguard conversion. 

Park Security at the Long Lake Campground was discussed by the Commissioners, with Commissioner Stenseng suggesting that there is a need for some kind of a warning system at the campground.

Commissioner Illies thought a possible siren warning would be effective as a storm warning. Commissioner Stenseng added that there is no security there from 2 - 5 a.m. 

“This is something to keep in mind,” said Chairman Dean Newland.

County Highway Department: A motion was passed by the Commissioners to approve payment of Highway Department bills in the amount of  $19,871 as presented.

County Auditor Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $274,723 for the County Revenue Fund, and $8,123 for the Nursing Service Fund.

Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.