April 9
There was/was not a meeting regarding the property assessment furor last night. There was discussion at the BOA meeting last night regarding the issue as part of their monthly agenda. There was not, as reported on several emails making the rounds in WL, a separate meeting to chat about the problem. In any event the audience was packed, my guess around 30 people, as the BOA meeting began. They had to endure the swearing in of new aldermen, judge, and comments from the outgoing aldermen, Hoy and Folkedahl, as well as Mayor's Comments before getting to the subject that all were there to take in.
There was a meeting on April 5th in Platte City with the County Assessor and two staff members. Mayor Bos, incoming alderman Brian Stevenson and County Commissioner (and WL resident) Beverlee Roper were in attendance. The meeting lasted 3 hours or more...some highlights, as described by Jerry, he listed these as "facts".
- 2005 WL was reassessed
- 2007 No reassessment (the County may reassess every two years)
- 2009 No reassessment, due to "housing market collapse"
- 2011 No reassessment, primarily because assessor "Lisa Pope was sick"
During the meeting the Assessor (David Christian) talked about discussions with "WL citizens". (Who they were and how many was not mentioned. Comments included"
- 2nd tier people felt 1st tier people were under-assessed
- the north end of the lake wasn't as deep as the south (presumably referring to lake depth at docks)
- although not part of comments from WL citizens, it was mentioned numerous times the concerns that some at The National had expressed concern over the lower assessments at WL.
- Measurement of 1st tier footage on the lake
- 2nd tier determination of "good lake view", performed by assessor's office this past winter.
- The good view lots assessed @ $60,000 for value of land, "no view" $40,000. Their were variances to this methodology, one example was lot next to Rick Noble which increased to (without explanation) $80,000.
- Another odd example, two contiguous fishing lots being assessed as if they were one building lot (Stevenson is in this situation)
- "Comparables" - When looking for valuation examples other like homes on the lake being used. For whatever reason Vic DeJong's house was used and an example of a comparable (no real reason given). MLS was cited as a source potentially. Evidence you might provide include a certified appraisal, recent refi appraisal or "other convincing evidence"
More tomorrow.
7 comments:
What's in a name? FYI Mike - it's Stevenson, not Stephenson.
Good catch...I have a work colleague who is Stephenson, pronounced the same, and brain was on autopilot...made the edit...thanks
Wonder who the Assessor talked with at WL, sounds very suspicious and a lot of bs.
this is government at its worst, listen to the crybabies at the National.
Sure would like an explanation –
After the horrendous economic housing downfall we have experienced, statistics show house prices across the nation are at 2005 level. Interestingly, this is the same time our reassessment was made. So what country was the Platte County Assessor living in? Because the country I’m living in didn’t have 20 to 70% housing increase the last eight years. Beyond my understanding why we aren’t remaining at the 2005 level.
Called Clay County about our reassessment (25% increase) and it sounds like WL are making such a ruckus, that the assessor’s office is feeling the pressure. Hope Bos and Stevenson (and Roper?) continue to push for answers and make the county accountable.
It is my understanding, if one calls in, Platte County will put you on the list for reevaluation. Don’t call by April 30th and you’re stuck with the new assessment.
Correction -
Called PlATTE County about our reassessment . . .
Then, there is the 'fishing lot' that has not been reassessed. However, the house near it is evidently worth 38% more... word is that landscaping is the reason!
Post a Comment