The Nobles County Board of Review took place at City Hall on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 2:30pm. Councilmembers present were Paul Cunningham, Walon Habben, Gary Larson and Mayor Doug Knuth. Councilmember Court Baumgard was absent. Others present were Terry Pigman – CMA, County Assessor Valerie Ruesch, Property Appraiser John Meyer and Property Appraiser Ben Puthoff, Linda Koning, Nobles County Commissioner Tom Johnson, Martin Waage, Jr., Bruce Bentele, Derek Nelson and Clerk Elaine Walker.
Meeting was called to order at 2:30pm by Mayor Doug Knuth.
County Assessor Valerie Ruesch presented the sale of property information for Round Lake. There were 6 properties sold in 2017, this is the reason behind the drastic increase in values that the entire town experienced for the estimated 2018 values payable in 2019.
Martin Waage, Jr. spoke on the value of his properties and was questioning the dramatic increase in the value of his building across the street from City Hall. In the past it was valued as very poor condition and recently the category was changed to normal condition, resulting in a higher value. He agreed that the condition had never been very poor and that normal was more accurate, but didn’t feel that he should pay a higher tax because of it. He also questioned his property adjacent to his property that has his home located on it. His opinion of the 6’x200’+ area was useless space and shouldn’t have the value that it has. The Council gave him multiple chances to state a values that he was comfortable with and he wouldn’t, so there was no action by the Council to change the valuation of these properties. After discussion with the Council, the decision was made to leave values as they are estimated for the 2018 tax period to be paid in 2019. A motion was made by Habben and a second by Larson to leave as is, all ayes: Carried.
The Assessor’s office tried to give us a break last year because the sales were down, but they realize now that it didn’t accomplish the goal that was intended, since the values had to be raised so much in 2018. State mandates dictate the percentages they need to stay within and when sales are high, the values of the town need to reflect that or the state will step in and adjust them for us.
Motion by Habben, second by Cunningham to adjourn. All ayes: Carried. Meeting was adjourned at 3:11pm.
The Round Lake City Council continued the meeting from April 11th on Thursday, April 26th at 3:30pm at City Hall. Councilmembers present were Paul Cunningham, Walon Habben, Gary Larson and Mayor Douglas Knuth. Councilmember Court Baumgard was absent. Others present were Kim Eisfeld, Vince Baack, Jeff Dean, Linda Koning, Martin Waage, Jr., Bruce Bentele, Derek Nelson and Clerk Elaine Walker.
Meeting convened at 3:30pm.
Motion by Larson, second by Cunningham to approve the agenda. All ayes: Carried.
Building Permit for Crystal Valley Co-Op to build addition on the current shed for storage and office space as presented. Motion by Larson, second by Habben to approve. All ayes: Carried.
Building Permit for New Fashion Pork, LLP to build feed mill as presented. Motion by Larson, second by Habben to approve. All ayes: Carried.
2017 Audit Presentation by Kim Eisfeld. Clerk Elaine will work with Kim to make the necessary adjustments on the CTAS program to better represent the finances of the City of Round Lake. Motion by Habben, second by Larson to approve the 2017 Audit and give Kim Eisfeld permission to submit the necessary reports. All ayes: Carried.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at 6:15pm.
City Hall will be CLOSED Monday, May 28th, 2018 for Memorial Day.
Motion by Habben, second by Cunningham to adjourn. All ayes: Carried. Meeting was adjourned at 5:05pm.