The Spring Valley City Council met for the annual Board of Review at 5:30 p.m. on April 10. Members in attendance included Mayor Struzyk, Jesse Betts, Mike Hadland, City Clerk Deb Zimmer, and County Assessor Brian Hoff. Hoff shared “ground rules” and duties of the Board. His list included the statement that “Appeals must be based on facts. The property owner must present supporting evidence to convince the board that the current year valuation or classification is incorrect…” Hoff added, “This is the 2017 assessment, which will be payable in 2018.” He shared data showing that Fillmore County’s 2017 Assessment Summary included 23 bareland sales over 34.5 acres, 20 agricultural/rural sales with buildings, 260 residential sales countywide, and 13 commercial sales county-wide. These sale prices help determine increases or decreases in assessment valuations.
Three citizens spoke up, asking the board to consider changes regarding their properties. After discussion, the board agreed to decrease the values on two of the properties based on depreciation (values were decreased by $6,600 and $9,200, respectively). The board also discussed a possible change regarding the “old OIC building” and reclassified it from commercial to residential, since the owner said the plan is for it to be made into apartments.
At 6 p.m., after a brief intermission, the Spring Valley City Council opened their regular meeting. All members except Tony Archer were present. No visitors were signed up to address the council. The council approved Resolution 2017-12 (Washington Street Work Order), after Zimmer explained it is just to approve the feasibility study portion of the project. The council also approved the City Attorney Retainer Agreement, as well as hiring Kevin Burrichter as an EMR (Emergency Responder).
Jesse Betts pointed out that there is graffiti in Willow Park that needs to be cleared off. He also said that the pavilion has a large hole in the ceiling. It was decided that Chad Hindt will be asked to obtain estimates on the cost to replace it with a tin roof. There was discussion of putting cameras in Willow Park to prevent such vandalism and graffiti in the future. Zimmer reminded all that citywide cleanup will be May 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Todd Jones thanked the Boy Scouts for their efforts on creek cleanup. The next regular meeting of the city council will be Monday, April 24 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
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