ADMINISTRATION - Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
AMENDING RESOLUTION 05-142, ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS FOR SPECIAL BOARD OF REVIEW
Background
On January 20, 1994, Council adopted Ordinance No. 93-1333 establishing a Special Board of Review and Resolution No. 94-24 establishing conditions for a Special Board of Review. The resolution provided for the appointment of five members with the Chair appointed by the Mayor, established the Boardmembers' terms to expire twenty (20) days from the Special Board of Review's adjournment, and compensation and expenses for Boardmembers.
The 2015 Special Board of Review will convene Monday, April 20, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Blaine City Council Chambers. In addition, pursuant to Resolution No. 94-24, a workshop is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. with the appointed Board members, the Anoka County Assessor's office and City Council to review current assessment trends and any changes in property tax laws.
Staff advertised for boardmembers in the Blaine Life newspaper, on the City website, cable TV, and through local realtor associations and received three new applications. In addition, four of the past five members expressed interest in serving again, three of who are certified by the MN Dept. of Revenue to participate in the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization; State Statute requires at least one member of each board be certified.
In the past Council has requested a report from the appointed Chair on the actions taken at the Special Board of Review meeting. Staff will schedule the report presentation for a Council meeting in May or as soon thereafter as possible.
Staff is also recommending an increase in the compensation for Boardmembers. Resolution 94-24 established the compensation at the rate of $100 per member, with those members licensed as appraisers to be compensated at $150. In 2005, Resolution 05-142 increased the rate of compensation to $142 each, with certified appraisers at the rate of $214. As it has been almost 10 years since that rate adjustment staff is recommending an increase and is suggesting $250 per member, regardless of whether they are certified appraisers.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor propose appointment of the following five board members, including one as Chair, to the 2015 Special Board of Review and that the Council, by motion, confirms the Mayor's appointments.
In addition, Council is asked to consider adoption of the proposed resolution increasing the compensation from $142 and $214 per meeting to $250 per meeting per member.
Body
WHEREAS, Section 7.04 of the City Charter provides that the City Council shall constitute a Board of Equalization to equalize assessments of property for taxation purposes; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota States Section 274.01, Subdivision 2, the City Council enacted Ordinance No. 93-1333, establishing a Special Board of Review and delegating to the Special Board the powers and duties in Minnesota Statutes Section 274.01; and
WHEREAS, compensation for members of the Special Board was established by Resolution No. 94-24 and amended by Resolution 05-142 at the rate of $142 for Boardmembers and $214 for certified licensed appraisers, plus mileage at the rate annually established by the Internal Revenue Service; and
WHEREAS, compensation for members has not been reviewed nor increased since 2005.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council amend Resolution 05-142 as follows:
1. That members of the Special Board shall be compensated at the rate of $250 each for attendance at each required meeting plus mileage at the rate annually established by the Internal Review Service.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 19th day of March, 2015.