Morgan County Commission 77 Fairfax Street, Suite 101 Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 Telephone: (304) 258-8540 FAX: (304) 258-7305 |
Board of Equalization
Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2009
Members Present: Thomas R. Swaim, Brenda J. Hutchinson, and Stacy A. Dugan
The meeting was opened by Debbie Kesecker, County Clerk, at 9:34 a.m.
Thomas Swaim excused himself and left the Commission Meeting at 10:00 a.m. to
attend a friends funeral. Commissioners Hutchinson and Dugan proceeded with the meeting.
Board of Equalizations Appointments
Taylor Stewart
Taylor Stewart appeared before the Board of Equalization to discuss the assessments of three properties, one property is 5.09 acres, one property is 10.47 acres with a cabin and the third property is 7.4 acres. After reviewing the properties with the Assessor and staff, the Commission agreed to adjust the appraised value of the 7.4 acres parcel to $29,600.00. The Assessor staff will further review the remaining two properties and contact Mr. Stewart concerning a lower assessment. After all assessments are complete, County Commission staff will follow up with a letter to Mr. Stewart regarding the new assessments.
Joe Michael
Joe Michael approached the Board of Equalization concerning the assessment of his property and house in the Rock Gap District. Mr. Michael explained to the Commission and Assessor and staff that there is a 10% increase on the house. The Commission and Assessor staff reviewed the assessment and changed the house assessment to B Class, which lowered the assessment to last years (2008) rate of $381,600.00. Mr. Michael will receive a follow up letter determining the new assessment.
Arnold Sexton
Arnold Sexton had previously discussed his assessment with the Assessor staff. After changing the class on the house from B- to C+ the Assessor Staff lowered Mr. Sextons appraised value.
Mr. Sexton approached the Board of Equalization to discuss the levy rate. He is concerned that the levy rate may get too high. The Commission requested Mr. Sexton contact the school board concerning the rate, Commission staff gave Mr. Sexton the school board phone number.
Bob Ford
Bob Ford approached the Board of Equalization concerning the recent letters sent to Morgan County residents concerning a increase in their property assessments. Bob Ford distributed a chart worksheet and an article from the WV Code Book Section 11-3-24 concerning the review and equalization by the County Commission. Bob Ford expressed his concern for the assessments and requests the Commission further review the assessments and explore the options of lowering the assessments of the residents. Commissioner Hutchinson stated her concern and agreed to further study the options, she will contact the State Tax Commission Office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Commissioner Hutchinson will contact Hampshire County Commission to discuss a similar concern the county had last year. Commission Hutchinson voiced her concern for the time period, the Board of Equalization can only meet the month of February. Commissioner Hutchinson informed Bob Ford if she finds any information
that is viable in helping the residents of Morgan County with the property assessments, she will contact him.
Upcoming Meetings
February 5, 2009 @ 4:00 p.m.
County Commission Meeting
Morgan County Meeting Room
February 6, 2009 @ 9:30 a.m.
Board of Equalization Meeting
Morgan County Meeting Room
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