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1820 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
William S. Marlow
MINUTES
November 3, 2009
Richard A. Broders Dave Garing
William S. Marlow Chairman
Dave Garing Vice - Chairman
Richard A. Broders Member
Chairman William S. Marlow called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the presence of Vice -
Chairman Dave Gazing and Member Richard A. Broders.
ASSESSMENT CORRECTIONS
Member Broders moved to accept the following assessment corrections. Vice - Chairman Garing
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
NAME
Helen Probert
Gail Barth
Cheryl Hutchison
C. Wildflower & C. Weimeister
Bernt & Marlene Ericsen
1656 South Jacob Miller Road
Port Townsend, WA 98368
APPEAL NO.
BOE 09 -59 -LO
BOE 09 -73 -LO
BOE 09 -74 -LO
BOE 09 -75 -LO
BOE 09 -81 -R
BOE 09 -105 -R
DETERMINATIONS
BOE: 09 -04 -R
►•
977 100 709
930 300 503
930 300 504
930 300 505
961 200 105
991 100 016
PN: 963 302 303
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants did not contest
the valuation of the improvements to their property but did express concern regarding the
increase in the land value. They maintain the fair market value of this land to be $50,000 and the
total value of the property to be $236,675. The Appellants presented two comparable sales that
occurred in 2008 for $236,000 and $257,500.
The Assessor's representative indicated that both of the Appellants' comparable sales had
assessed values lower than their respective sales prices. He also supported the assessed value
Phone (360)385 -9100 Fax (360)385 -9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 2
with data from two comparable property sales located on the same block as the Appellant's
property and testified that the value was derived from the local area's standard base site rate of
$50,000. The Assessor's representative explained that the comparable properties were assigned
the same adjustments as the Appellants' property in terms of utilities and lot development but the
appellants' property value was increased by 15% for site quality because it is considered a more
desirable parcel than those located along Gun Club Road. The Board finds that the Appellant did
not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence necessary to overcome the presumptive
correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $277,175 ($90,500 for the
land and $186,675 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Elizabeth Urner & Arthur Schmitt BOE: 09 -56 -R PN: 997 300 001
835 Harrison Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board considered the information presented by the Appellants and the Assessor's
representative. Washington State law mandates that properties be valued to reflect local market
activity according to an approved revaluation cycle as of January 1 of the assessment year. In
this case the assessment date is January 1, 2007. The Board concurs with the Assessor that land
values will vary with different units depending on external factors that affect market value such
as location and view.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $421,450 ($115,000 for the land
and $306,450 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Cathy Cole BOE: 09 -12 -R PN: 987 600 208
6014153' Court NE
Redmond, WA 98052
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellant asserts the true
and fair market value of the subject property to be $160,000 rather than the current valuation of
$233,155. On the petition form the Appellant wrote the following reason for appealing the
valuation of her property: "This house is at least $65,000 away from completion ". The Appellant
offered no comparable sales or additional documentary evidence.
The Assessor's representative acknowledged the Appellant's home is only partially complete
(through sheetrock). He provided a copy of the appraisal worksheet indicating that the
replacement value had been decreased to reflect 70% complete when the home was assessed as
of January 1, 2009. Based on the information presented the Board of Equalization finds that the
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 3
Assessor's value represents fair market value.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $233,155 ($55,000 for the land
and $178,155 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Robert & Lisa Brown BOE: 09 -15 -LO PN: 990 600 253
206 Garden Club Road 09 -16 -LO 990 600 287
Nordland, WA 98358
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants assert the true
and fair market value of their property to be $70,000 rather than the current valuation of $80,000.
The Appellants were not present to offer oral testimony, however, their petition indicated that a
change in current market values and conditions have lowered the value. They also noted the lots
are sloped, increasing the cost of construction. The Appellants cited four comparable land sales
ranging in price from $34,000 to $50,000. Six active listings were also offered ranging in price
from $57,500 to $79,500.
The Assessor's representative testified that the Appellants' comparable "A" did not have sewer
whereas the subject property has sewer available. Comparable `B" and "D" were in a different
area and also did not have sewer. All of the comparable properties sold well after the assessment
date of January 1, 2007. The Assessor's representative supported the assessed value with a map
of the immediate vicinity that included valuation notations of approximately 20 land sales that
occurred from 2003 to 2007. It was also noted that the appellants' property value was decreased
by 20% for site quality. Based on the information presented the Board of Equalization finds that
the Assessor's value represents fair market value.
Vice - Chairman Gating moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of both parcels as shown
below:
Appeal Number Parcel Number. Current Assessed Value
BOE 09 -15 -LO 990 600 253 $80,000 (land only)
BOE 09 -16 -LO 990 600 287 $80,000 (land only)
Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of
October 20, 2009)
Paul Kell BOE: 09 -13 -R PN: 964 700 002
41 Foxfield Drive
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board considered the information presented by the Appellant and the Assessor's
representative. The Appellant asserts the true and fair market value of his property to be
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 4
$180,000 rather than the current valuation of $252,235. Although the Appellant was not present
to offer oral testimony, his petition indicated his belief that the property could not sell for more
than his estimated value. He also stated that prices have fallen 25% in the last 12 months and that
homes on Foxfield Drive cannot sell. The Appellant offered no comparable sales or additional
documentary evidence.
The Assessor's representative presented three comparable property sales within a few blocks of
the Appellant's property. Comparable sale 41 sold in March 2006 for $335,000 and had an
assessed value of $326,305. Comparable sale #2 sold in April 2008 for $339,000 and had an
assessed value of $319,515. Comparable sale #3 sold in June 2006 for $325,000 and had an
assessed value of $313,080. All of the comparable property were assessed using the same base
site rate as the subject property of $70,000. It was also noted that the Appellant's property sold
in November 2004 for $199,000. The Board finds that the Appellant did not present clear,
cogent, and convincing evidence that is necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the
value established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $252,235 ($80,000 for the
land and $172,235 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Susan Kraght BOE: 09 -17 -R PN: 931 700 206
95941" Avenue NE #280
Seattle, WA 98115
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellant asserts the true
and fair market value to be $85,000 ($50,000 for the land and $35,000 for the improvements).
The Appellant's letter of August 31, 2009 revises her estimate of market value to be $125,000
($85,000 for the land and $40,000 for the improvements). She also believes the land assessment
is within a reasonable range, but says the manufactured home sustained significant water damage
in December 2008. She states the home had been on the market for $159,000 with a price
reduction to $129,000 and was subsequently purchased by the Appellant in March 2009 for
$85,000. The Appellant also offered for comparison, the sale of a 1,440 square foot
manufactured home (1980) that occurred in June 2009 for $135,000.
The Assessor's representative presented three comparable property sales, copies of the appraisal
worksheets, a map of the immediate vicinity, and sales affidavits for the comparable property
sales. The sales occurred between October 2008 and July 2009, ranging in price from $169,000
to $174,300. It was noted that the appellant's home was given an effective age of nine years with
a physical depreciation of 17 %. The Assessor's representative also provided a narrative
regarding the excise tax affidavit in which the Appellant's escrow officer states the sales price
was substantially lowered because of water damage. Based on testimony and evidence provided,
the Board feels that the improvement value should be reduced.
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 5
Vice - Chairman Gating moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $160,000 ($90,000 for the
land and $70,000 for the improvements) and reduce it to $140,000 ($90,000 for the land and
$50,000 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Read Family Trust BOE: 09 -23 -LO PN: 930 900 401
Edward Read, Trustee 09 -24 -LO 930 900 501
2120 Holcomb Street 09 -25 -LO 930 900 801
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellant asserts the true
and fair market value of each parcel to be $9,000. He testified that the Assessor's comparable
property sales were inappropriate because of discrepancies in zoning, land topography, soil
conditions, and lack of access. The Appellant stated that he purchased the property in January
2009 for $6,400 per parcel. The comparable property sale used by the Appellant was Lot 7 Block
12 Tacoma Addition (5,000 sq. ft.) that sold for $2,500 in September 2007.
The Assessor's representative supported the assessed value with data from three comparable
vacant land sales, copies of the appraisal worksheets, a map of the immediate vicinity, and sales
affidavits for the comparable property sales. He also testified the appellant's property value was
decreased by 10% for excess lots and by another 50% for lack of access. The Board finds that
the appellants did not present clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that is necessary to
overcome the presumptive correctness of the value established by the Assessor.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of all three parcels as shown below:
Appeal Number
Parcel Number.
Current Assessed Value
BOE 09 -23 -LO
930 900 401
$18,000 (land only)
BOE 09 -24 -LO
930 900 501
$18,000 (land only)
BOE 09 -25 -LO
930 900 801
$18,000 (land only)
Vice - Chairman Gazing seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also
minutes of October 20, 2009)
Trudy Davis BOE: 09 -51 -LO PN: 001292 018
P.O. Box 2014 09 -52 -R 001292 019
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board reviewed the information provided by the Appellant and Assessor's representative.
Although the Appellant was not present to offer oral testimony, she believes her property was not
fairly valued because of a decline in market conditions, a lack of utility improvements, and an
obstructed view. The Appellant offered no comparable property sales or additional documentary
evidence.
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 6
The Assessor's representative supported the assessed value with three comparable land sales,
copies of the appraisal worksheets, a map of the immediate vicinity, and sales affidavits for the
comparable property sales. The sales occurred between July 2006 and December 2007, ranging
in price from $150,000 to $159,000. It was noted that the appellant's property was not assessed
for utilities nor did it receive an adjustment above the base site rate for view quality. Assessor's
records indicate the home was built in 1983 with an effective age of 12 years. No added value
was assigned for the carport. The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and
convincing evidence that is necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value
established by the Assessor.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of both parcels as shown
below:
Appeal Number Parcel Number. Current Assessed Value
BOE 09 -51 -LO 001 292 018 $105,200 (Land Only)
BOE 09 -52 -R 001 292 019 $225,825 ($101,900 land/$123,925 imps)
Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of
October 20, 2009)
Molly Hong BOE: 09 -55 -R PN: 938 400 521
111 E. Rhododendron Drive
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board reviewed the information provided by the Appellant and Assessor's representative.
The Appellant testified that she purchased the property in November 2006 for $383,756.15. She
subsequently attempted to refinance the home in February 2009 and was denied when the
appraised value was determined to be $350,000 by Wells Fargo Financial. The Appellant cited
two comparable property sales from Cape George Colony.
The Assessor's representative reviewed 11 comparable property sales ranging in price from
$22,500 to $640,000. He also provided copies of the appraisal worksheets, a map of the
immediate vicinity, and sales affidavits for the comparable property sales.
The Appellant and Assessor's representative identified two common comparables. Appellant's
comparable "A" and the Assessor's comparable "1" sold for $320,000 in March 2009.
Appellant's comparable "B" and the Assessor's comparable "11" sold for $396,500 in January
2008. The assessed value of the appellant's property was noted to be higher than its sales price
even though it was purchased in a declining market. The Appellant offered evidence of slowing
market activity, citing 19 sales in Cape George with a median price of $335,000 in 2006, and 17
sales in Cape George during 2007 with a median price of $332,000. The Assessor's
representative also testified that the peak of this market occurred in October 2006. Based on
testimony and evidence provided, the Board feels that the improvement value should be reduced.
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 7
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessors valuation of $397,030 ($175,000 for the land
and $222,030 for the improvements) and reduce it to $383,750 ($175,000 for the land and
$208,750 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 20, 2009)
Paul & Michelle Moseley BOE: 09 -46 -R PN: 990 600 396
101 Fleet Drive
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants argued that
there was a spike in the housing market and then the market corrected and declined. This is not
disputed by the Assessor's office. In this case the issue is the fair market value as of the
assessment date of January 1, 2007. The appellants also argue that the style, architecture and age
of the home significantly reduces its marketability, thus its value. The Assessor's office has
applied an effective age (not the same as chronological age) of 22 years, giving a 20%
depreciation factor. The Board finds that the appellant did not present clear, cogent, and
convincing evidence that is necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the value
established by the Assessor.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $271,635 ($110,000 for the land
and $161,635 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Gazing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 22, 2009)
Randy Longneeker BOE: 09 -48 -R PN: 981 301608
7810 Ostrander Court SE
Olympia, WA 98501
The Board reviewed the information provided by the Appellant and Assessor's representative.
The Appellant purchased this property at a foreclosure sale for $35,000 in April 2009. The
assessed value is $94,250 and the appraisal date is January 1, 2006. The appellant argues that the
home has been vacant for several years and is not livable in its current condition. The appellant
supplied documentation dated July 1996 indicating a failed, non - conforming septic system exists
on the property. Based on information and testimony provided, the Board feels a reduction in the
land value is warranted due to the septic system issues.
Member Broders moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $94,260 ($20,500 for the land
and $73,760 for the improvements) and reduce it to $88,260 ($14,500 for the land and $73,760
for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 22, 2009)
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 8
Douglas & Joy Herring BOE: 09 -50 -R PN: 948 200 010
227 Edgewood Drive
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The appellants provided an
appraisal dated January 17, 2009. This appraisal was prepared after the assessment date of
January 1, 2007. It is the finding of the Board that the assessed value of this parcel reflects its
fair market value as of the assessment date. Sufficient evidence was not presented to overcome
the Assessor's determination.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $769,120 ($290,000 for the land
and $479,120 for the improvements). Vice- Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 22, 2009)
Margaret & Ralph Davis BOE: 09 -47 -LO PN: 970 800 504
2103 SW 174'h Street
Burien, WA 98166
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants argue that this
parcel is adversely affected by wetlands, surface run -off, saltwater intrusion problems and other
issues relevant to current or soon to be adopted shoreline regulations. The Appellants also claim
a septic system on this parcel would not be permitted. The only viable offer of $30,000 was
made by a neighboring property owner in 2006 and a counter -offer of $35,000 was made by the
Appellants but rejected. Based on testimony and evidence provided, the Board feels that the land
value should be reduced.
Vice - Chairman Garing moved to overrule the Assessor's valuation of $64,230 (land only) and
reduce it to $30,000. Member Broders seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
(See also minutes of October 22, 2009)
Barbara Stanny BOE: 09 -49 -R PN: 001 061 001
221 Middle Point Road
Port Townsend, WA 98368
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellant provided three
comparable property sales and one sale listing in the area. The property was purchased for
$996,000 in 1996. The Appellant submitted an appraisal of the property dated February 3, 2003
which indicates a value of $1,250,000. The property assessed for $1,451,930 as of January 1,
2008 (five years after the Appellant's independent appraisal was completed). Based on the
information submitted the Board finds that the Assessor's value accurately reflects fair market
value.
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 9
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $1,451,930 ($602,100 for the land
and $849,830 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Gazing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 22, 2009)
Keith & Margaret Brown, Trustees BOE: 09 -53 -R PN: 969 700 019
Brown Family Trust
343 Camber Lane
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
The Board reviewed the information provided by the Appellant and Assessor's representative.
The Appellants contend that property values have declined in Port Ludlow and presented four
comparable property sales in the area that occurred in 2008 and 2009. These sales occurred after
the assessment date of January 1, 2007. The Assessor's representative provided sales data of
several Port Ludlow parcels. Sufficient evidence was not presented to overcome the Assessor's
determination.
Vice - Chairman Gating moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $345,120 ($140,000 for the
land and $205,120 for the improvements). Member Broders seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 23, 2009)
E. William & Patricia Stoner BOE: 09 -54 -R PN: 969 800 021
64 Twinsview Court
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants contend, based
upon recent 2008 -2009 Real Estate sales within Port Ludlow, that the assessed values are
unreasonably high. The Appellants submitted details of four comparable property sales in 2008
and 2009. The assessment date for this parcel is January 1, 2007. The Assessor's office
discussed several property sales in Port Ludlow. Because of market trends between January 1,
2007 and mid 2008, the sales data provided by the appellants are not found to be accurate for
determining the value as of January 1, 2007.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $404,575 ($130,000 for the land
and $274,575 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 23, 2009)
Board of Equalization Minutes - November 3, 2009 Page: 10
Amberson & Mary Jane McCullough, Trustees BOE: 09 -58 -R PN: 969 700 018
Amberson & Mary Jane McCullough Trust
365 Camber Lane
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
The Board considered the information submitted by both parties. The Appellants contend the fair
market value of the subject property to be $324,000 rather than the Assessor's determination of
$380,020. Although the Appellants presented comparable property sales, they all sold after the
assessment date of January 1, 2007. The Board finds that the Appellants did not present clear,
cogent, and convincing evidence that is necessary to overcome the presumptive correctness of the
value established by the Assessor.
Member Broders moved to sustain the Assessor's valuation of $380,020 ($140,000 for the land
and $240,020 for the improvements). Vice - Chairman Garing seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote. (See also minutes of October 23, 2009)
Vice Chairman Garing moved to adjourn the meeting. Member Broders seconded the motion
which carried by a unanimous vote.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
ATT�ST: BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
XLeshe R. Locke Clerk of the Board William S. Marlow, Chairman
Dave Gazing, is -Chairm
Richard A. Broders, Member