Administration- Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
Title
Title
Second Reading
Article VI. - Boards and Commissions, Amending Sec. 2-241. - Special Board of Review
end
Executive Summary
Council is asked to consider an ordinance that would transfer the City’s local board duties to Anoka County.
Background
City Charter directs that council establish a board of equalization to equalize assessments for property taxes, which historically has been accomplished through the City’s Special Board of Review outlined in Sec. 2-241 of city code. As you recall, in 2019 it was discovered that board members no longer met the training requirement per statute and therefore the City had to relinquish local board duties to the County Assessor for the years 2020 and 2021. At the fall retreat staff reviewed reasons for Council to consider continuing with Anoka County for local board duties, which are outlined below:
• Trend currently within the County is moving towards open book as the process is flexible and more accommodating in schedules
• Provide property owners more time and flexibility to appeal property valuations, typically up to June 15, as opposed to limiting the appeal window to the City’s board meeting usually held in April each year
• Property owners can still appeal to Anoka County Board of Appeal and Equalization
o Appointed board is made up of individuals with real estate knowledge and expertise, similar to Blaine’s local board, which provides for a more thorough, informed review
o Provides separation of oversight by having a separate board
o Anoka’s board process is unique as they typically hold a two-day process that allows members to physically go out and view a property with assessing staff
After discussion Council shared general support to transfer the city’s local board duties to Anoka County and remove the special board of review as the mechanism for residents’ property tax appeals for the required minimum of three years. Should Council wish to reinstate the Special Board of Review that process could be accomplished prior to December 1, 2024, for the year 2025.
First reading of the ordinance was held on November 15 and second reading and adoption is recommended.
Strategic Plan Relationship
This proposal relates to both the effective communication and organizational health strategic plan priorities by providing residents with increased opportunities to review and appeal property valuations.
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
Savings will be realized as board member stipends, staff coordination, and publication costs will no longer be required. Staff will work to communicate this process change in conjunction with Anoka County.
Public Outreach/Input
Notification of proposal for transfer of local board duties to Anoka County was published on November 12 and will be again on November 19 in the Blaine-Spring Lake Park-Columbia Heights Fridley Life as required by statute. If adopted a certified copy of the ordinance will be forwarded to Anoka County and the most recently appointed board members will be notified.
Staff Recommendation
By motion, hold second reading and adopt the proposed ordinance removing the special board of review and transferring the City’s local board duties to Anoka County for at least the minimum period of three years which is 2024.
Attachment List
None
Body
THE CITY OF BLAINE DOES ORDAIN: (Added portions are underscored and deleted portions are shown with overstrike.)
Pursuant to Section 7.04 of the city charter and Minn. Stat. § 274.01, subd. 2 3, a five-member special board of review is created with all the powers and duties specified in Minn. Stat. § 274,01, subd. 1. The council shall determine the amount of compensation and expenses to be paid members, if any, and the term of office of each member. At least three members of the board shall be an appraiser, realtor, or other person familiar with property valuation in the city. The board shall serve at the direction and discretion of the council, subject to the restrictions imposed by law. the city hereby transfers its local board powers and duties to the county board for at least the minimum period of three (3) years as outlined by law.
(Code 1980, § 2-9; Ord. No. 93-1333, 1-20-1994)
Secs. 2-242-2-250. - Reserved.
INTRODUCED AND READ in full the 15th day of November, 2021.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 6th day of December, 2021.