Ward County lowers valuation on Minot Lodging property after water damage; approves tax-roll adjustments

The Ward County Commission on June 3 approved tax-roll adjustments presented by Director of Tax Equalization Noreen Wilkie, including a reduced 2024 valuation for Minot Lodging WS LLC after a January 2024 water-main break caused significant water damage. Wilkie told the commission that the property at 3501 4th St. SW (Corner Express) sustained significant water damage from a fire-suppression water-main break in January 2024 and that valuation was reduced based on a recent inspection. The 2024 valuation listed in the minutes shows the property's true and full value adjusted from $1,645,000 to $731,000 and taxable value adjusted from $82,250 to $36,550. The commission approved the tax roll as presented on a motion by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Schuler; Commissioners Rostad, Merritt (by phone), Olson, Schuler and Chairman Fjeldahl voted yes. The minutes also record an adjustment for Holiday Park MHP LLC for 2025, showing valuation changes in the file. Wilkie reported on storage suitcases for townships and cities in county storage as a separate administrative update; 13 of 50 suitcases have been picked up and county staff will contact local historical societies if the remainder are not claimed. The commission approved the tax adjustments and received Wilkie's updates; no further appeals or hearings were recorded in the meeting minutes.