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th <br />January 7, 2020 <br /> <br />Mark Statz – City Administrator <br />City of Centerville <br />1880 Main Street <br />Centerville, MN 55038 <br /> <br />RE: Benefits of a County Assessment Contract <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Statz & Council Members, <br /> <br />To aid in your decision-making process, below are several factors Anoka County feels are benefitsof a <br />County Assessment Contract. <br /> <br />1. Full-time access to qualified assessment staff for residents, business owners, and city staff which <br />isn’t always the case in other situations. This means any issues can be handled quickly and <br />efficiently since we employ multiple staff dedicated solely to work in Anoka County. <br /> <br />2. Knowledgeable and trained staff held to Anoka County Standards. It is more difficult to ensure <br />work is being done appropriately and according to MN Statute when in-house staff are not <br />performing the work. <br /> <br />3. High level of equalization and economies of scale due to the large volume of parcels under <br />contract. This ensures that parcels in each jurisdiction are treaded fairly and in a similar manner <br />which leads to higher quality assessments. <br /> <br />4. Increased accountability with various levels of management including; County Assessor, PRT <br />Division Manager, County Administration, as well as County Commissioners. Accountability and <br />the ability to quickly identify and correct assessment shortcomings is limited in other contract <br />situations. <br /> <br />5. Tax Court – Anoka County typically handles and defends tax court petitions in house and in <br />certain circumstances outside professionals are hired. Any additional costs associated with tax <br />court petitions is Anoka County’s responsibility when we hold the contract. This is often <br />thousands of additional dollars the city would otherwise be responsible for. <br /> <br />6. Proven track record of high-quality assessments that improve over time. This ensures that <br />residents and business owners are being treated fairly and the various taxing authorities are <br />receiving funding based upon the most accurate values possible. <br /> <br />Should you have any questions regarding a County Assessment Contract, please let me know. <br />2100 Third Avenue Anoka, MN 55303-2281 <br />Government Center <br /> www.anokacounty.us/prop-records-tax <br />Office: 763-323-5400 <br /> <br />Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer <br /> <br />