Mobridge equalization board adjusts several residential assessments after appeals

The Mobridge equalization board reviewed multiple residential assessment appeals on March 18 and made several adjustments after homeowners presented evidence and the city assessor explained how sales comparables drove increases.

The board, presided over by the chair, first heard an appeal for Parcel 6015 at 1117 2nd Avenue West. The homeowner — introduced by the chair as Gary Weishar — told the board the assessed value rose roughly $53,000 since 2023 and cited needed repairs (new windows, siding and lack of basement heat). Greg, the city's director of equalization, said his office relied on multiple comparable sales and that “pretty much every sale I had had a minimum of a 10%” premium over assessed values, which is why the office applied a 10% upward adjustment for parts of town. After discussion, a motion to leave the assessment as presented carried (motion by Carlson; second by Kim Nitz).

The board then considered a second 2nd Avenue West parcel. Members debated square footage and lot-size differences and opted to split structure and land values: the board set the house at $160,000 and the land at $20,000 (total $180,000), following a motion and roll-call approval.

Several homeowners asked how assessment changes affect tax bills. The assessor explained that higher assessments do not automatically increase levies dollar-for-dollar because levies are set by taxing entities; he said the office uses mass-appraisal methods and sales-ratio targets to keep assessed values aligned with market trends.

Dave Vogel, who identified himself and said he purchased his home for $135,000, presented a recent bank appraisal that valued the property at about $137,700 and argued the city's $204,602 assessment was excessive. The board reviewed his evidence and approved a reduced total assessment of $149,000 (house $119,000; land $30,000).

Longtime appellant Robert (Bob) Meisch of 813 9th Avenue West told the board his property's condition, split-level layout and prior listing history supported a lower valuation. Meisch referenced the appeal notice placement on the assessment form and cited SDCL 10 g a in discussing tax-relief eligibility. After review and member discussion, the board set Meisch's assessment at house $135,000 and land $20,000 (total $155,000).

Votes at a glance

- Parcel 6015, 1117 2nd Avenue West: motion to leave assessment as presented; mover Carlson, second Kim Nitz; motion carried by roll call (majority; Ryker recorded a dissent). - 1125 2nd Avenue West: board set house $160,000 / land $20,000 (total $180,000); motion carried by roll call. - Dave Vogel (210 10th Street East): board set total $149,000 (house $119,000; land $30,000); motion carried by roll call. - Robert (Bob) Meisch (813 9th Avenue West): board set house $135,000 / land $20,000 (total $155,000); motion carried by roll call.

What officials said

Greg, the director of equalization, described the office's approach as a mass appraisal driven by sales comparables and said the office observes multi-year jumps in parts of town. "It's 10%... that's 10% of a $184.99," he said, describing how a 10% assessment change appears in the record. Dave Vogel told the board his purchase and a professional appraisal showed market support for a substantially lower value than the city's figure: "My name is Dave Vogel ... the city's 2026 assessment of $204,602 is 51 half percent higher than the property's true and full value," he said.

Next steps

The board concluded its scheduled appeals and adjourned. Homeowners retain appeal rights described on the assessment notice if they wish to pursue further review with the county or state avenues noted on the form.

(Reporting based solely on the March 18, 2026 Mobridge equalization meeting transcript.)