By David Stoeger
The Ostrander City Council and the public heard from Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin at their meeting on Tuesday, December 6. This after residents found themselves reeling from county property tax bills that at times increased as much as 90% for the year 2023.
“I feel it serves us both well that you have an understanding of where I’m coming from so that you understand what is necessary from my position with this,” McCaslin opened. “Our job is not to pick on anybody, we don’t single anybody out. Our job is to make sure the property tax burden is evenly distributed – that everyone is liable for their own fair share, no more and no less.”
McCaslin said properties are physically inspected once every five years, but that an assessment takes place every year based on property sales that take place in the jurisdiction. He noted several primary assessment statistics that help him and his team determine the assessments. He said what has happened is a “shift in the market.”
“We are all about equity in the assessment. Right now, I’m seeing a turn in the market. It was around in 2008 when the market crashed, and I saw how that impacted values, and I saw how our valuation methodology is in responding to those types of changes. So essentially what I’m trying to do is stay on top of that so that those values that you see are as equitable as I can make them.”
He said the sales ratios in Ostrander were below compliance. “It’s something that’s unfortunate and it’s hard. There were a lot of sleepless nights last January and February because this is not easy to stomach.”
“I’m just worried about the people that have been retired for so many years, how they’re going to make it,” said Mayor Pam Kunert. “It’s not so bad the rates up but it would be better if we could have slammed it all in one year,” replied another resident.
According to state statutes, McCaslin argued he is not able to create a more phased-in program, quoting state statute 237.11, which states: “In estimating and determining such value, the assessor shall not adopt a lower or different standard of value to serve as a basis of taxation.” He added, “That is what I have to abide by. If I stay from that, that puts my license in jeopardy.”
McCaslin said other jurisdictions in Fillmore County are also dealing with similar issues, and he would be soon making a similar presentation in Rushford Village. Residents who have issues with their assessed valuation can contact the assessors’ office. Residents can also apply for a property tax deferral, which would create a lien on the property.
City sets tax levy, budget
Later in the meeting, the council approved the city’s tax levy for 2023. The levy was set at $192,291 – identical to the levy approved for 2022. The total budget for the city was set at $293,720.
Water and sewer
rate increases
A letter to all residents was approved which states water base rates per dwelling will go from $36.37 a month to 38.19 a month and water per thousand gallons used will go up from $4.96 a month to $5.91 a month starting in January.
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