Property value changes discussed

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Cities and townships across Nobles County were tasked with reevaluating 55 parcels during their individual board of adjustment meetings in recent months, but just one of those property owners came before Nobles County Commissioners Tuesday night to request further reduction in property valuation.

Judy Christians was granted a $200 reduction — from $306,600 to $306,400 — from the Larkin Township Board after pointing out an incorrect description in a grain bin. She had hoped for a further reduction in property valuation from the county, however that request was denied.

Christians told the board she thought the 12.54 acre parcel, which includes a home, machine sheds and several older hog buildings, was valued high in comparison to other sales over the years.

“We have a small hog set-up, which is becoming obsolete quickly,” said Christians. “I don’t think we could get $306,000 for this acreage if we tried.

“This is seriously over-valued,” she added.

Armed with photographs of the site and information from the county assessor’s office regarding sales of other acreages, Christians said the majority of acreages range from $32,000 to $175,000.

“There’s nothing on our place that makes it stand out,” she told the board. “The home was built in 2001. It’s not a fancy house. It’s probably the most simple house built in Nobles County in the last 15 years.”

Commissioner Diane Thier, who was present when Christians went before the Larkin Township Board, said the acreage valuation is consistent with other property in the township.

“I don’t know where to adjust it — I really don’t,” added Nobles County Assessor Byron Swart. “You can’t really do anything with the land (value).”

Following a motion by Thier to leave the valuation unchanged, the board approved it on a unanimous vote.

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