Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Board of Equalization met Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. 

In attendance were:

City Commissioners:

Robert Werkhoven President

Matt Pedersen Vice President

Duane Magnuson Commissioner

Madeline Luke Commissioner

Mary Lee Nielson Commissioner

Department Supervisors:

David C. Schelkoph City Administrator

Avis Richter Auditor

Russell J. Myhre City Attorney

Sandy Hansen City Assessor

Auditor Richter read Sections of the North Dakota Century Code pertaining to the duties of the Board of Equalization.

After the hearing was opened, a report was given by the City Assessor, Sandy Hansen.

She said the 2015 Valley City taxable valuation of property was $341,378,573, an increase in values of 10.21% from 2014.

She then broke down the report, including exemptions and other information.

She pointed out that 340 property owners were notified of the increased assessment on their property.

She added that additional appeals can be made to the County Board of Equalization.

The report was followed by requests from property owners, and the auditor’s report on any written communications, received.

Paul Diegel asked for and received explanations on assessments on lots that he owns.  Another property owner asked her property value assessment be decrease, and Hansen took her information and adjusted the value lower, based on the information.

Auditor Richter said no written protests were received.

The Commission then reviewed the assessment books.

A parcel was recommended for a reduction as indicated earlier in the meeting,

along with a reduction in a lot requested by Paul Diegel.

A motion to approve the assessment books as prepared by the City Assessor was approved, Commission Pedersen abstained from the vote.

The city’s certification will be forwarded to the Barnes County Board of Equalization, to be certified, and then to the state for certification.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 68.