Property tax reform is still pending in Minnesota. The problem seems to be a partisan issue that dwells on what taxpayers should pay. The problem is also an obsolete assessment system issue.
A retired 3M engineer from Lindstrom did a detailed study of "land only" assessed values. He presented his study to Department of Revenue commissioners Ward Einess and Dan Salamone. The assessor rate of error was 70 percent.
A Department of Revenue follow-up study of four counties (metro, suburban and two outstate) shows an error rate of 50 percent, even though it included the 90 to 105 percent error allowance.
The Clearwater County study resulted in the Department of Revenue raising land values in the county. The county should have been reassessed.
Several other independent studies show similar assessment error results. These assessment system errors are acceptable to Minnesota property tax division administrators. Director G. Folkman during a meeting with Minnesota Senior Federation members Jan. 4 did not accept responsibility for assessment accuracy.
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Director Folkman did not acknowledge our suggestion to provide itemization (field cards) with property tax billings.
Taxpayers should bring assessment reform concerns to their legislators. Attend the Becker County Taxpayers Association meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 with Sen. Rod Skoe as speaker at the Detroit Lakes Vocational Technical College.
Les Ristinen
Frazee
