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Commission denies 2023 tax abatement request for property at 648050 Sixth Avenue South
Summary
Fargo commissioners voted to leave the 2023 assessed value for a Sixth Avenue South property unchanged after the assessor concluded the value was supported and equitable.
The Fargo City Commission voted to deny an abatement and refund request seeking a reduced 2023 assessed value for the property at 648050 Sixth Avenue South, keeping the 2023 assessment at $443,100.
Mike Spenkalski of the assessor’s office explained the mass-appraisal process used to value properties, the statutory allowance to request abatements for up to two prior years and why staff recommended no change for the 2023 assessment. Spenkalski described mass appraisal as a “broad brush” approach designed to produce equitable distribution of tax burden across property classes and said some individual assessments can deviate from market value.
Spenkalski told commissioners that the subject parcel’s per-square-foot assessment compared with six neighboring sales and similarly assessed properties supported the 2023 value and recommended maintaining the 2023 figure. He explained the office lowered the 2024 value to $402,800 as part of the reappraisal but said the appellant was not appealing the 2024 value.
Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to leave the 2023 value unchanged. On the roll call, commissioners Peppcorn, Kolpak, Strand, Turnberg and Mahoney voted aye and the motion carried.
During the discussion, a commissioner asked how far back abatements may be requested; Spenkalski replied the statute generally allows going back two years, but approvals still depend on whether the reduction is supported by market evidence.
The commission did not instruct staff to make any additional valuation adjustments at this meeting.
