04/21/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL APRIL 21, 1997 Mr. Smith explained the difference in tax gain by commercial property versus residential property. Mr. Smith said that he will provide a list of landowners who have questioned the value of their property as well how the matter was handle. Council Member Lyden asked how the 1997 concerned tax payers compare to the 1996 tax payers. Mr. Smith explained that there were fewer calls in 1997. However, it is very close to average. Don Patterson, 7101 Ivy Ridge Lane - Mr. Patterson said that he has been comparing his property value with his neighbors and finds that his value is greater than anyone else. Mr. Smith explained that the value is based upon how much of the dwelling is completed on January 2nd. He noted that some of the town homes were not finished on January 2nd. therefore, they will have a lesser value. The taxes are based upon how much was completed on January 2nd. Francis Ramsden, 865 Main Street - Mr. Smith explained that Ms. Ramsden owns a five (5) acre lot on the northeast quadrant of Lake Drive and Main Street. The lot is zoned commercial. Ms. Ramsden's property taxes have increased dramatically in the past two (2) or three (3) years. Mr. Smith said that this is due to the zoning of the property. He explained that the taxes would be considerably lower if the lot was zoned residential. Mr. Smith said that there is not much that he can do about the value of the property. He has allowed Ms. Ramsden to claim a homestead credit, however, this still does not reduce the taxes very much. Mr. Smith noted that he has advised Ms. Ramsden to file for a refund from the State and for another refund that is not used by many property owners. Council Member Lyden noted that a few years ago, cities would freeze property taxes for senior citizens. Mr. Smith said that there is currently a bill in the state legislature to restore that provision, however it may not be enacted. Council Member Kuether said she felt Ms. Ramsden's situation is a "terrible shame". Mr. Smith said that the bill has been proposed for several years but does not get the attention it deserves. Council Member Lyden asked Mr. Smith how this situation happens. Mr. Smith explained that when a city creates a particular zoning for a particular property, the assessor/appraiser looks at the property to determined what is the highest and best use of the property. He said that this is his job and he can do nothing about reducing the value because of the zoning. Mr. Smith said at this time the only way that the City Council can help Ms. Ramsden, is to change her zoning from commercial zoning to residential zoning. Council Member Kuether asked if the City Council could take Ms. Ramsden property out of the commercial zoning or suspend that zoning. Council Member Lyden felt that Ms. Ramsden should be taxed for the current use of the property not as zoned. Mayor Landers said that there arc other people living along Lake Drive in the same PAG[ 2