Judge orders reduction in land valuations

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

Priest Lake property owners had their valuation on 29 parcels of land reduced by more than $4 million Monday following a decision by Judge Cynthia Meyer. 

According to Ford Elsaesser, who, along with Katie Elsaesser, represented 29 property owners in the tax appeal, said the land was over-valued by 40 percent or more. The court decision covered 28 2017 tax assessments and one 2016 assessment. 

“Many Priest Lake waterfront parcels continue to be over-valued by large percentages compared to their true fair market value,” Ford Elsaesser said in a press release.