WITH THE BOARD OF
ASSESSMENT REVIEW
MAY 20, 2004
4:00 PM
Supervisor Belden opened the meeting at 4:00 pm
Members of the Town Board present:
Supervisor Belden Lu Megow
Rudy Meola Richard Gladu
Absent: W. Bothe
Members of the Board of Assessment Review present:
Ron Graser Frank Koenig
Mary Jo Keeler Richard Dykstra
Absent: B. Belden
Councilman Meola expressed that the revaluation process
recently completed by Mr. Maxwell’s firm has been certified by the NY Board of
Equalization and Assessment by giving the Town of
Councilman Meola gave an example of the Lakeshore Garage property whose assessment has been lower thru different times, even though a 50 ft. lake front had been sold at a much higher price than it was assessed, and ignoring the letter of Michael Swan, Warren County Real Property Director, stating that property should be assessed as if no contamination existed unless it affects the business adversely.
Mr. Graser stated that the BAR does not just “rubber stamping” everyone who grieves and that the 50 ft. piece of property in question was not contaminated. Mrs. Keeler explained that the burden of proof is on the property owner and that the Assessor’s values are correct unless proven wrong. Mr. Graser went on to say members of the Board of Assessment Review have been trained and they act objectively and fairly.
Councilman Gladu expressed his view that in complex cases such as the example discussed, it would be appropriate if the case were referred to another body better prepared and with more resources to decide the issue. He also feels that the BAR should have on its board someone with lake front property. He also believes that if the formula used to assess lake front property is challenged, that would be reason to reassess all lake frontage.
Councilman Megow stated that the BAR is an independent body. They should take everything in consideration and make decisions based on proof that backs up a property owner’s grievance.
Mr. Peterson stated that many properties are under assessed and that he has found discrepancies in the revaluation.
The need for the appointment of alternates to the BAR was
discussed also to address the unsafe structure in the
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by L. Megow to authorize Supervisor Belden to send a letter to Mr. Morgan on the unsafe structure. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Supervisor Belden will rent a ditch digger for the installation of the conduit on Route 8..
The grading and seeding of the pit needs to be completed soon.
Motion by R. Meola, seconded by R. Gladu to adjourn meeting at 5:25 pm. All voting yes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah F. Manning
Town Clerk