In the Matter of the 2007 and 2008 Commercial Assessment Ratio of Properties in St. Louis County

April 29th, 2011

State Tax Commission of Missouri

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE 2007 AND 2008)

COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT RATIO OF)

PROPERTIES IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY,)

)

Complainants,)

)

v.)Appeal No. 07-08 Ratio

)

JAKE ZIMMERMAN, ASSESSOR,)

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI,)

)

Respondent.)

 

 

DECISION AND ORDER

 

HOLDING

 

The State Tax Commission finds that the median level of assessment for commercial property in St. Louis County in 2007 is 29.4%.

PROCEEDINGS

The State Tax Commission was convened at an evidentiary hearing beginning on December 7, 2010.Complainants[1] appeared by Thomas Campbell, Attorney at Law. Respondent appeared by Edward W. Corrigan, Associate County Counselor. Taxpayers filed appeals with the State Tax Commission alleging overvaluation and discrimination.The issues of valuation of the subject properties and median level of assessment for commercial properties were bifurcated.[2]The State Tax Commission ordered all parties alleging discrimination in 2007 and 2008 to present evidence at this hearing regarding the median level of assessment for commercial properties.Complainants represented by Counsel Thomas Campbell were the only parties presenting evidence; therefore, any other claims of discrimination based upon being assessed at a ratio grossly excessive to the average 2007 commercial assessment ratio have been dismissed.Parties filed briefs on March 29, 2011; reply briefs were dated April 12, 2011.

ISSUE

The Commission heard evidence to determine the median level of assessment for commercial properties located in St. Louis County for 2007.

SUMMARY


The following exhibits were introduced and admitted into evidence:

Complainants’ Exhibits

EXHIBIT

DESCRIPTION

A

Written Direct Testimony of Robert Gloudemans

B

Ratio Study of Robert Gloudemans

C

IAAO Mass Appraisal of Real Property (1999)[3]

D

Disk

E, E1, E2

Disk

F

Standard on Ratio Studies

G

Disk

H

Disk

I

Disk

 

Respondent objected to Exhibits A, B, D, E, G, H, and I. Objections overruled. [4]

Respondent’s Evidence

EXHIBIT

DESCRIPTION

1

Ratio Study of Patrick O’Conner

2

Written Direct Testimony of Patrick O’Conner

3

Written Direct Testimony of Michael Brooks

4

Michael Brooks’ CV

5

Commercial Sales Study

6

CD sales packet for X, U, P & V properties

7

Written Direct Testimony of Robert Bruns

8

CV of Robert Bruns

9

Written Direct Testimony of Cynthia Schneider

10

Commercial Sales Summary Packet

11

STC Ratio Study

12

IAAO Ratio Study Standards

13

Robert Gloudemans’ 2005 Study

Rebuttal Exhibits

R1

CD of Complainant’s Sales

R2

E-mail

R3

Spreadsheet of 315 Sales

R4

Change of Assessment Notices 5/18/2007

R5

Board of Equalization Decisions

R6

CD on 27 sales

R7

Spreadsheet on 27 sales

R8

Change Notice on 5/18/2007

R9

BOE decisions 27 Decisions

R10

CD on 177 Sales

R11

Spreadsheet on 177 Sales

R12

Contract for Consulting – Gloudemans

R13

Complainant’s Documents

R14

Validity Codes

R15

Written Direct Testimony Michael Brooks

R16

Written Direct Testimony Patrick O’Conner

R17

2007 Study PPRC

R18

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case

R19

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 390

R20

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 404

R21

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 422

R22

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 450

R23

Part of Exhibit D

R24

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 459

R25

Testimony of Gloudemans in 2005 case p. 551

 

Complainant’s Evidence

Mr. Robert Gloudemans testified on behalf of the Complainants.He is a partner in a consulting business specializing in property tax and assessment administration.Mr. Gloudemans previously worked for the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and the Division of Property Valuation with the State of Arizona.The consultant has experience in ratio related issues including development of the IAAO workshop on Fundamentals of Assessment Ratio Studies, authoring or contributing to numerous appraisal books, and developing standards for ratio studies for IAAO.

Mr. Gloudemans completed a ratio study for the 2007 assessment year in St. Louis County.For his study, he was assisted by the Public Policy Research Center (PPRC) at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.PPRC collected data from the Assessor’s Office regarding the assessments and sales of commercial property in the county.They did not verify the sales.

Mr. Gloudemans used the county’s data collected by PPRC and selected sales from

July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, a total of 1,071 sales.Out of the sales from that 12 month time period, he concluded 315 sales were usable for his ratio study.The criteria for selection were based upon the code assigned to the sale by St. Louis County.Mr. Gloudemans included sales coded as V (a certificate of value filed), X (sale confirmed with at least one party to the sale and is deemed a valid sale), U (sales verified by St. Louis County but involves more than one parcel), R (resale) and 1 (multiple parcel sales). Mr. Gloudemans eliminated parcels where the appraisal to sales ratio was 1.00 and outliers (2 parcels with very low ratios and 2 parcels with very high ratios).

Mr. Gloudemans used the valuation in the County’s assessment books as of September 2007.The valuation in the books as of that date would have included valuations set by the Board of Equalization (BOE). The total number of valuations as set by the BOE and included in the study is 27.(It does not include the number of sales excluded where the appraisal to sales ratio was 1.0 as the BOE set the value at the sales price.)

Mr. Gloudemans found an overall median ratio of 26.6%.When reviewed by property type, the median by type is:

Type

%

Median

Office

19.1

.286

Retail

39.7

.266

Warehouse/Industrial

19.2

.279

Miscellaneous Improved

12.3

.242

Vacant Land

9.7

.131

 

He used two measures of central tendency – median and weighted mean – and various weighting schemes.“Basically, the entire weighted mean is between 0.240 and 0.245.We conclude that the best estimate of the median assessment ratio is no more than 27% and the best estimate of the weighted mean assessment level is no more than 25%.”[5]

Respondent’s Evidence

Mr. Patrick M. O’Conner testified on behalf of the county.Mr. O’Conner is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser licensed in Missouri and Texas. He has been involved in mass appraisal since 1973.The appraiser contributed to the writing of the IAAO’s standards on ratio studies.

Mr. O’Conner prepared a ratio study for January 1, 2007, and a statistical review of commercial sales occurring between 2004 and 2007, employing IAAO standards.He obtained the St. Louis County’s Assessment Division records of sales of commercial property from 2004 to 2009.He looked to properties selling in 2006 and 2007[6] with codes of P, U, V and X.O’Conner excluded sales of commercial properties that were coded as partial residential and/or agricultural.He included 239 sales in his study.

Mr. O’Conner compared the Assessor’s valuations with the sale price for the parcels and found an overall median ratio of 29.4%.When reviewed by property type, the median by type is:

Type

%

Median

Office

17.6

.307

Retail

21.3

.271

Warehouse/Industrial

35.1

.304

Miscellaneous Improved

21

.279

Vacant Land

5

.270

Michael Brooks, the acting assessor for St. Louis County[7], testified.He testified as to the process St. Louis County uses to verify sales.After the office receives a document such as a deed or certificate of value, the staff attempts to contact the parties to the sale and reviews terms of the sale to determine if the sale qualifies as a valid, arms length transaction.The review process includes amending the validity code as information is obtained.Mr. O’Conner was provided all sale verification information.

Mr. O’Conner reviewed the study performed by the Complainants’ expert.He was critical of the study due to the failure to verify the V coded sales.Mr. O’Conner testified that the Complainants used 261 V coded sales in their study or 83% of their sales.It is his opinion that 83% of sales coded V is high and “calls into question the reliability of the statistical inferences as to the average level of assessment of commercial class property in St. Louis County for 2007 tax year Complainants draw from their sales ratio study.”Mr. O’Conner further testified that IAAO emphasizes the importance of verifying the sales.

The County reviewed the 315 sales used by the Complainants’ expert.The County found that 177 sales were not valid sales.[8]At one time, the sales had been coded V (166), 1 (4), R (4), X (2) and Null (1).As the county reviewed V sales, the county changed the sales code to reflect the conditions of the sales which included conditions that would exclude the sales from sales studies.Failing to exclude the sales would call into question the reliability of the statistical inferences.

The County introduced the 2007 Commercial Ratio Study of St. Louis County completed by the PPRC and another 2007 study conducted by the State Tax Commission.The PPRC’s study found an overall median of 27.9%.The STC appraisal ratio study for 2007 found an overall median of 30.94%.

FINDINGS OF FACT

1.Jurisdiction over these appeals is proper.Complainants timely appealed to the State Tax Commission from the decision of the St. Louis County Board of Equalization.

2.The accuracy of valuation of property by assessors is a concern for assessors, taxing authorities, and taxpayers.Ratio studies evaluate appraisal performance.Dividing the appraised value by the market value forms the ratios.Market values can be represented in ratio studies by “sales prices that have been confirmed, screened and adjusted as necessary.”[9]

3.St. Louis County requires certificates of value to be filed on sales of real property.The certificate of value form asks the parties involved in a real property transaction questions to assist the reviewer in determining if the sale was an arm’s length transaction.The filer of the certificate of value certifies under penalty of law that the information contained therein is true and correct.

4.Certificates of value are indicators of valid sales and useful documents for ratio studies.

5.Sales studies rely on accurate information for sales of parcels.Verification of sales information, including information on a certificate of value form, should be conducted.“Sales data should be routinely confirmed or verified by contacting buyers, sellers, or other knowledgeable participants in the transaction.”[10]

6.Both the Respondent’s appraiser and the Complainants’ consultant are experts in the preparation of sales ratio studies.Complainants’ expert did not engage in the extensive verification of sales that Respondent pursued.

7.The State Tax Commission finds that the finds that median level of assessment for commercial property for the 2007 assessment cycle was 29.4%.

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION

Jurisdiction

The Commission has jurisdiction to hear this appeal and correct any assessment which is shown to be unlawful, unfair, arbitrary or capricious.The hearing officer shall issue a decision and order affirming, modifying or reversing the determination of the board of equalization, and correcting any assessment which is unlawful, unfair, improper, arbitrary, or capricious.[11]

Official and Judicial Notice

Agencies shall take official notice of all matters of which the courts take judicial notice.[12]

Courts will take judicial notice of their own records in the same cases.[13]In addition, courts may take judicial notice of records in earlier cases when justice requires[14] or when it is necessary for a full understanding of the instant appeal.[15] Courts may take judicial notice of their own records in prior proceedings involving the same parties and basically the same facts.[16]

Weight to be Given Evidence


The Commission is not bound by any single formula, rule or method, but is free to consider all pertinent facts and estimates and give them such weight as reasonably they may be deemed entitled.The relative weight to be accorded any relevant factor in a particular case is for the Commission to decide.[17]

Opinion Testimony by Experts

If specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert on that subject, by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto.

The facts or data upon which an expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing and must be of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject and must be otherwise reliable, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence.[18]

The Commission as the trier of fact may consider the testimony of an expert witness and give it as much weight and credit as they may deem it entitled to when viewed in connection with all other circumstances.The Commission is not bound by the opinions of experts, but may believe all or none of the expert’s testimony and accept it in part or reject it in part.[19]

Complainants’ Burden of Proof

The taxpayer is the moving party seeking affirmative relief, therefore, the taxpayer bears the burden of proving the vital elements of the case, i.e., the assessment was “unlawful, unfair, improper, arbitrary or capricious,” by substantial and persuasive evidence[20]

Substantial evidence can be defined as such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.[21]Persuasive evidence is that evidence which has sufficient weight and probative value to convince the trier of fact.The persuasiveness of evidence does not depend on the quantity or amount thereof but on its effect in inducing belief.[22]

The burden is on the taxpayer to prove discrimination.The evidence of discrimination must be competent and persuasive.If the evidence is not competent and persuasive, the presumption of validity remains with the assessor.[23]It is the burden of the taxpayer to establish intentional discrimination or an assessment so grossly excessive as to be entirely inconsistent with an honest exercise of judgment.[24]


Discrimination


In order to obtain a reduction in assessed value based upon discrimination, the Complainants must (1) prove the true value in money of their property on January 1, 2007; and (2) show an intentional plan of discrimination by the assessing officials resulting in an assessment of that property at a greater percentage of value than other property, generally, within the same class within the same taxing jurisdiction or show that the level of an assessment is so grossly excessive as to be inconsistent with an honest exercise of judgment. [25]

The only issue before the State Tax Commission at this time is the determination of the median level of assessment of commercial property located in St. Louis in 2007.The Tax Commission will hear evidence as to the valuation of individual parcels and whether those individual parcels suffer from discrimination at a later date.

Standards on Ratio Studies

The IAAO is an international organization for assessing professionals providing education, and research in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy.[26]All experts testifying at this hearing tout their association with the organization and cite IAAO as an authority for ratio studies.

The IAAO issued a Standard on Ratio Studies.“Assessors, appeal boards, taxpayers, and taxing authorities can use ratio studies to evaluate the fairness of funding distributions, the merits of class action claims, or the degree of discrimination.”[27]A ratio study is an effective tool for evaluation only if the proper steps are taken.There are seven steps involved: (1) define the purpose, scope and objectives; (2) design; (3) stratification; (4) collection and preparation of market data; (5) matching of appraisal and market data; (6) statistical analysis; and (7) evaluation and use of the results.The focus of this decision is on step (4) – the collection and preparation of market data.“The findings of a ratio study can only be as accurate as the data used in the study.”[28]

“The reliability of a ratio study depends in part on how well the sales used in the study reflect market values.”[29]There are numerous sources of sales data including deeds and real estate transfer affidavits, also known as certificates of value.“The usefulness of sales directly related to the completeness and accuracy of the data.Sales data should be routinely confirmed or verified by contacting buyers, sellers or other knowledgeable participants.”[30]The screening process objectives are to ensure (1) sales prices reflect only the market value of the real property transferred, (2) that sales occurred only during the period of analysis are used and (3) sales are excluded if good cause.[31]

DECISION

Sales Studies and Certificates of Value

Complainants presented a sales ratio study based on certificates of value filed in St. Louis County.Certificates of value, although a starting point for sales studies, do not necessarily provide accurate market information for the studies.[32]Independent review of sales and confirmation or verification of information is a necessary step.Neither the Complainants’ expert, nor his assistants, verified or confirmed the sales data.Without verification or confirmation of the data, the ratio study is suspect and therefore not conclusive or persuasive.

Respondent did verify and confirm sales data.Respondent’s study was performed in compliance with IAAO standards. The State Tax Commission finds that the finds that median level of assessment for commercial property for the 2007 assessment cycle was 29.4%.

SO ORDERED April 29, 2011.


STATE TAX COMMISSION OF MISSOURI

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Maureen Monaghan

Hearing Officer

 

 

 

Certificate of Service

 

I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing has been mailed postage prepaid on this 29thday of April, 2011, to:Thomas Campbell, 101 S Hanley, Suite 1600, St. Louis, MO63105 Attorney for Complainant; Edward Corrigan, Associate County Counselor, County Government Center, 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, Attorney for Respondent; Jake Zimmerman, Assessor, County Government Center, 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105; John Friganza, Collector, County Government Center, 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105.

 

 

___________________________

Barbara Heller

Legal Coordinator

 

 

List of Appeals


 


07-10657

Chez Paree Partners

07-10658

Chez Paree Partners

07-10659

Chez Paree Partners

07-10660

Chez Paree Partners

07-10661

James West Family Ltd. Partnership

07-10662

West Five Ltd. McKee Realty

07-10663

Chesterfield Hilltown, Inc.

07-10664

Chesterfield MTBB

07-10665

Chesterfield Hilltown, Inc.

07-10666

Chesterfield Center Corporation

07-10667

Chesterfield Payne Corp.

07-10668

Chesterfield Northeast

07-10669

Four Hundred Chesterfield Center, Inc.

07-10670

Chesterfield Center Corporation

07-10671

Chesterfield Center Corp.

07-10672

Sunnen Products Company

07-10673

Sunquad Corporation

07-10674

Sunnen Products

07-10675

Sunnen Products Company

07-10676

Sunnen Products Company

07-10677

Sunnen Products Company

07-10678

Sunnen Products Company

07-10679

Stocker Hausmann Foods

07-10680

Joseph Haas Investment

07-10681

Mid America Financial Corporation

07-10682

Commerce Bank National Association

07-10683

Commerce Bank of St. Louis

07-10684

Commerce Bank of St. Louis County

07-10685

Commerce Bank of Fenton

07-10686

Commerce Bank of Florissant

07-10687

Commerce Bank National Association

07-10688

Security Bank of Manchester

07-10689

Centennial Bank

07-10690

Centennial Bank

07-10691

Commerce Bank

07-10692

Commerce Bank

07-10693

Commerce Bank

07-10694

Envirotech Pumpsystems

07-10695

JBR Realty Company

07-10696

Porta Fab Corporation

07-10697

Hunter Engineering Company

07-10698

Eighteen Investments, Inc.

07-10699

Eighteen Investments, Inc.

07-10700

Bell Scott LLC

07-10701

Bell Scott LLC

07-10702

Hackberry LLC

07-10703

Eighteen Investments, Inc.

07-10704

Eighteen Investments, Inc.

07-10705

Unigroup, Inc.

07-10706

Waterford Associates

07-10707

Waterford Associates

07-10708

RGB Construction Company

07-10709

Commercial Bank of Westport

07-10710

First Industrial

07-10711

First Industrial

07-10712

800 South Fillmore LLC

07-10713

Rhomberg Realty, Inc.

07-10714

Woodfield Properties, Inc.

07-10715

Woodfield Properties, Inc.

07-10716

Kennelwood Village, Inc.

07-10717

Crest Development

07-10718

Boegeman, Harry M.

07-10719

Crest Development

07-10720

Waycliffe Development

07-10721

Boegeman H M Realty

07-10722

H M Bogeman Realty

07-10723

KWJ Properties, Inc.

07-10724

Fredman Brothers Furniture

07-10725

Southwest Bank

07-10726

Southwest Bank

07-10727

Southwest Bank

07-10728

Missouri State Bank & Trust

07-10729

Forty West Partners

07-10730

Arsenal Credit Union

07-10731

Burgundy Arrow LLC

07-10732

Agatha Bloompetal Enterprises

07-10733

Agatha Bloompetal Enterprises

07-10734

Lin Ferry Investment Group

07-10735

RS Property Investments

07-10736

Opus Seven LLC

07-10737

Elbridge Payne LLC

07-10738

BCTN Holdings, Inc.

07-10739

BCTN Holdings, Inc.

07-10740

Wilhite Family Limited Partnership

07-10741

Price, Howard B.

07-10742

Smithkline Corp.

07-10743

Smithkline Biosciences Laboratories

07-10744

BSW Investors II LLC

07-10745

2033 Concourse Limited Partnership

07-10746

MDC Bonhomme LLC

07-10748

National Wood Flooring Association

07-10749

Graham Packaging Holdings

07-10750

Baldor Electric

07-10751

Baldor Electric

07-10752

Milton Partnership

07-10753

Wagner, Rita M.

07-10754

Cleveland, John & Nancy

07-10755

West N B Real Estate, Inc.

07-10756

United States Tape & Label Corporation

07-10757

First National Bank of St. Louis

07-10758

First National Bank of St. Louis County

07-10759

Rudder Group LLC

07-10760

Zeigler Enterprises, Inc.

07-10761

Zigs LLC

07-10762

Zigs LLC

07-10763

Ziegler Enterprises, Inc.

07-10764

Ziegler Enterprises, Inc.

07-10765

Temperato, Samuel J.

07-10766

JB Management

07-10767

JB Management

07-10768

JP Management

07-10769

Metro Alliance LLC

07-10770

Premier Eyecare Services

07-10771

Ouellette, Joseph & Catherine

07-10772

TVT LLC

07-10773

Manco LLC

07-10774

San Properties LLC

07-10777

Chesterfield 15450 LLC

07-10778

Patandy LLC

07-10779

DSMEFT LLC

07-10780

CMC Real Estate Company

07-10781

A H C Properties II

07-10782

Metro Port, Inc.

07-10783

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10784

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10785

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10786

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10787

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10788

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10789

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10790

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10791

Central Park Square, Inc.

07-10792

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10793

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10794

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10795

Chesterfield Village, Inc.

07-10796

Naples Milfield Venture

07-10798

Midwest Petroleum Company

07-10799

Levin, Bernard/Midwest Petroleum

07-10801

Southpoint Plaza LLC

07-10802

Lutheran Charities Association

07-10803

Clayton Financial Corporation

07-10804

Envirotech Pumpsystems

07-10805

PSAF Development Partners

07-10806

Public Storage, Inc.

07-10807

Public Storage, Inc.

07-10808

PSAC Development Partners

07-10809

Public Storage Properties VII, Inc.

07-10810

Public Storage Properties VII

07-10811

Public Storage Properties

07-10812

Public Storage Institutional Fund III

07-10813

Storage Equities

07-10814

Storage Equities

07-10815

Storage Equities

07-10816

Diversified Storage Fund II

07-10817

Diversified Storage Fund

07-10818

PS Co-Investment

07-10819

Storage Trust Properties

07-10820

A Stockage Storage of St. Louis

07-10821

St. Louis Budget Storage Associates

07-10822

A Stockade Storage of St. Louis

07-10823

Highland Mini Storage

07-10824

Ferguson Storage

07-10825

Storage Trust Properties

07-10826

Ferguson Storage Associates

07-10827

Ferguson Storage Associates

07-10828

Ferguson Storage Associates

07-10829

Ferguson Storage Associates

07-10830

Storage Trust Properties

07-10831

Storage Trust Properties

07-10832

Public Storage, Inc.

07-10833

Public Storage, Inc.

07-10834

North County Realty

07-10835

Kirchner Block & Brick

07-10836

Bluth, Raymond & Carol

07-10837

Legends Acquisition Company

07-10838

SSM Health Care St. Louis

07-10839

Phoenix Properties

07-10840

Panattoni Properties

07-10841

AAA Overland LLC

07-10842

AAA Overland

07-10843

Lipton Bellefontaine LLC

07-10844

Lipton Brentwood

07-10845

SSC Acquisitions, Inc.

07-10846

SSC Acquisitions, Inc.

07-10847

Agatha Bloompetal Enterprises

07-10848

Independent Concrete Pipe

07-10849

St. Louis County Water

07-10850

St. Louis County Water

07-10851

St. Louis County Water

07-10852

St. Louis County Water

07-10853

St. Louis County Water

07-10854

St. Louis County Water

07-10855

St. Louis County Water

07-10856

St. Louis County Water

07-10857

St. Louis County Water

07-10858

St. Louis County Water

07-10859

Musgrave, Scott & Marsha

07-10860

St. Louis County Water

07-10861

St. Louis County Water

07-10862

St. Louis County Water

07-10863

St. Louis County Water

07-10864

St. Louis County Water

07-10865

301 Sovereign Court Associates

07-10866

French Gibbs Properties

07-10867

Gundaker Commercial Group, Inc.

07-10868

L J H Enterprise LLC

07-10869

Colonial Bank

07-10870

Origo Holdings LLC

07-10871

Scientech Corp.

07-10872

McNamee, Bernard & Anne

07-10873

McNamee, Bernard

07-10874

Just, Richard L.

07-10875

Just, Richard

07-10876

Matrick Development

07-10877

Matrick Development

07-10878

Long Road Investments

07-10879

Long Road Investments

07-10880

Long Road Investments

07-10881

Gateway News Service

07-10882

Gateway News Service

07-10883

McRae, Jill

07-10884

Weiss, Michael & Michele

07-10885

Sheehan, Danny

07-10886

Perth LLC

07-10887

AEMG LLC

07-10888

Chesterfield Mustang LLC

07-10889

KSAPA LLC

07-10890

KSAPA LLC

07-10891

Shaw, Thomas

07-10892

Long Road Partnership

07-10893

Express Enterprises LLC

07-10894

Tamm Investment

07-10895

MIJON IV

07-10896

Des Peres Square Real Estate Holdings

07-10897

CLR Industries, Inc.

07-10898

Fusz, Eugene

07-10899

Fusz, Eugene

07-10900

Fusz, Eugene

07-10901

Fusz, Paul

07-10902

Lou Fusz Properties LLC

07-10903

Fusz, Eugene

07-10904

Fusz, Eugene

07-10905

Fusz, Eugene

07-10906

Fusz, Eugene

07-10907

Ackerman, J.W.

07-10908

Fusz, Eugene

07-10909

Lincoln Investment

07-10910

Lou Fusz Properties LLC

07-10911

Lou Fusz Properties LLC

07-10912

Comfort Printing and Stationery

07-10913

Lou Fusz Properties LLC

07-10914

Old Frontenac Square LLC

07-10915

Saputo, Joseph & Madaline

07-10916

Saputo, Joseph & Madaline

07-10917

Potter Electric Signal Company

07-10918

Potter Electric Signal Company

07-10919

Olive Forty Corporation

07-10920

Chesterfield 500 Corp.

07-10921

Tubular Steel, Inc.

07-10922

Tubular Steel, Inc.

07-10923

Tubular Steel, Inc.

07-10924

Tubular Steel, Inc.

07-10925

Tubular Steel Industries

07-10926

Tubular Steel Industries

07-10927

Tubular Steel, Inc.

07-10928

Jewish Federation of St. Louis

07-10929

Jewish Federation of St. Louis

07-10930

Storz Instrument Company

07-10931

Midwest Petroleum Company

07-10932

Midwest Petroleum

07-10933

Froesel Oil Company

07-10934

Heutel, Thomas & Michel

07-10935

Sunset Hills Land Company

07-10936

Sunset Hills Land Company

07-10937

Sunset Auto Company

07-10938

Meglio Investments

07-10939

Meglio Investments

07-10940

Lynntown Apartments

07-10941

Lynntown Apartments

07-10942

Commerce Bank of St. Louis

07-10943

Clayton Financial Corporation

07-10944

Commerce Bank of University City

07-10945

Kovacik, Emil

07-10946

Villa Manchester

07-10947

Future III Partnership

07-10948

Hiberian LLC

07-10949

Deer Creek Real Estate

07-10950

Deer Creek Real Estate

07-10951

Deer Creek Real Estate

07-10952

Commercial Bank

07-10953

Twin Realty Company

07-10954

Twin Realty

07-10955

Joti Company, Inc.

07-10956

Creve Coeur Medical Enterprises

07-10957

First Industrial Mortgage

07-10958

First Industrial Mortgage

07-10959

First Industrial

07-10960

First Industrial

07-10961

First Industrial

07-10962

Lipton Kenrick Associates

07-10963

Lipton Kenrick Associates

07-10964

Ronnies Plaza, Inc.

07-10965

Chandler, Robert & Marilyn

07-10966

8282 Forsyth LLC

07-10967

8282 Forsyth LLC

07-10968

Diamond Group LLC

07-10969

Diamond Group LLC

07-10970

Crest Development

07-10971

Waycliffe Development

07-10972

Crest Development

07-10973

Boegeman, Harry M.

07-10974

Corona Two Partnership

07-10975

Jost Real Estate

07-10976

J W E LLC

07-10977

J W E LLC

07-10978

Southwest Bank of St. Louis

07-10979

Storage Banc of Florissant

07-10980

AAA Fenton LLC

07-10981

Lipton Realty, Inc.

07-10982

Lipton Realty, Inc.

07-10983

Johnny Investment Store

07-10984

Johnny Investment Store

07-10985

Johnny Investment Store

07-10986

Johnny Investment Store

07-10987

Johnny Investment Gem

07-10988

Reinhardt, Joseph M.

07-10989

Cars-DB2 LLC

07-10990

Ken Behlmann Automotive Services, Inc.

07-10991

Ken Behlmann Automotive Services

07-10992

300 Hunter Realty LLC

07-10993

Pawpsnon Fenton MO

07-10994

Adriennes Goldmine

07-10995

B & L Management LLC

07-10996

Universe Corporation

07-10997

MDC West Port LLC

07-10998

Corley Printing Company

07-10999

J & D Steinback LLC

07-11000

J & D Steinback LLC

07-11001

Gamemaster Athletic Company

07-11002

Jade Crest Limited Partnership

07-11003

Jade Crest Limited Partnership

07-11004

Buhrman Brothers

07-11005

Colonial Bank

07-11006

Hankins Real Estate

07-11007

Rudder Group LLC

07-11008

Chrysler Realty Company

07-11009

Jappa, Sheldon & Brenda

07-11010

Naeda Services, Inc.

07-11011

P & L Holdings LLC

07-11012

Becker Enterprises LLC

07-11013

Midcounty Realty LLC

07-11014

Williams, R. Lee

07-11015

Red Lobster Inns

07-11016

Red Lobster Inns

07-11017

Mid Rivers Plaza LLC

07-11018

Mattingly, John & Shirley

07-11019

CCM Real Estate

07-11020

CMC Real Estate

07-11021

CMC Real Estate

07-11022

Kings Landing LLC

07-11023

JMZ LI Real LLC

07-11024

Samuels, Philip

07-11025

Gerst, James & Valerie

07-11026

Sansone, Zeke J.

07-11027

Sansone, Zachary & Lynaner

07-11028

Cooper Bussmann, Inc.

07-11029

Cooper Bussmann, Inc.

07-11030

Cooper Bussmann, Inc.

07-11031

Cooper Bussmann, Inc.

07-11032

Carboline Co.

07-11033

Carboline Company

07-11034

Carboline Co.

07-11035

Carboline Company

07-11036

Carboline Company

07-11037

Consolidated Flavor Corporation

07-11038

Fusz, Paul

07-11039

Gold Dust LLC

07-11040

James O. West Family Ltd. Partnership

07-11041

Quick Point, Inc.

07-11042

Quick Point Pencil

07-11043

Chesterfield 1400, Inc.

07-11044

Chesterfield Ridge Center

07-11045

Harrington, Martin E.

07-11046

Harrington, Martin E.

07-11047

Industrial Dev. Auth. St. Louis County

07-11048

Sherman, Ralph C.

07-11049

Sherman, Ralph C.

07-11050

Wherry, George & Barbara

07-11051

Saco Auto Limited Partnership

07-11052

D & D Distributors

07-11053

D & D Distributors

07-11054

J.D. Streett & Company

07-11055

Maritz, Inc.

07-11056

Maritz, Inc.

07-11057

Maritz Corp.

07-11058

Maritz Corp.

07-11059

Maritz, Inc.

07-11060

Sunset Auto Company

07-11061

Meglio Investments

07-11062

Koller Craft Plastic Products, Inc.

07-11063

County National Realty

07-11064

Fenton Properties, Inc.

07-11065

Ford Steel Company

07-11066

Hooverton

07-11067

Ford Steel Company

07-11068

Two Thousand One Hanley Center

07-11069

Manchester Center I

07-11070

Future 44 Company

07-11071

Peter Pan LLC

07-11072

American Communities II

07-11073

American Communities II

07-11074

Henges, Jay G.

07-11075

Hunter Engineering

07-11076

Hunter Engineering Company

07-11077

Hunter Engineering

07-11078

Hunter Engineering

07-11079

Hunter Engineering

07-11080

Latas, Michael

07-11081

Fru Con Construction

07-11082

McCarthy Brothers Company

07-11083

Unigroup, Inc.

07-11084

Vanliner Insurance Company

07-11085

Layne Wester Company

07-11087

Marchant Lumber Company

07-11088

R G B Construction

07-11089

Castillon, Donald & Carol

07-11090

Rondal Investments

07-11091

Kirchner Industries

07-11092

Kirchner Industries

07-11093

Vee-Jay Cement Contracting

07-11094

Vee Jay Cement Contracting

07-11095

Vee-Jay Cement Contracting

07-11096

BKP Associates Best Steak House

07-11097

First Industrial

07-11098

First Industrial

07-11099

First Industrial

07-11100

Medventures Property Management

07-11101

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Kirkwood

07-11102

SSM Health Care St. Louis

07-11103

BMT Holdings, Inc.

07-11104

Krueger Properties LLC

07-11105

E & M Canada LLC

07-11106

Commerce Bank

07-11107

Buckeye International, Inc.

07-11108

Phoenix International Freight Services

07-11109

Novus Webster LLC

07-11110

211 West Lockwood LLC

07-11112

French-Gerleman Electric Company

07-11113

French Gerleman Electric

07-11114

Patron, David & Linda

07-11115

Jost Real Estate

07-11116

Gateway Frontier Properties

07-11117

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11118

Realty Associates

07-11119

Realty Associates Fund V

07-11120

Realty Associates Fund V

07-11121

Realty Associates

07-11122

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11123

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11124

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11125

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11126

Realty Associates Fund VI

07-11127

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11128

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11129

Realty Associates Fund VIII

07-11130

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11131

Realty Associates Fund VIII

07-11132

Realty Associates Fund VII

07-11133

Realty Associates Fund VIII

07-11134

Reinhardt, Joseph M.

07-11135

Dynamic Realty, Inc.

07-11136

Ree Partnership LLC

07-11137

Universal Sewing Supply

07-11138

Universal Sewing Supply

07-11139

Universal Sewing Supply

07-11140

Universal Sewing Supply

07-11141

Universal Sewing Supply

07-11142

Wyne, William

07-11143

Meyer, Robert & Denise

07-11144

Mattis, Stephen & Mary

07-11145

Padberg, Virginia

07-11146

Padberg, Virginia

07-11147

Gravois Development Partnership

07-11148

Hoffman Industries LLC

07-11149

Local Union No. 136

07-11150

Frost Electric Supply

07-11151

Aback Realty

07-11152

Kessler Page Development

07-11153

S CB T LLC

07-11154

Metro Court LLC

07-11155

MDC Rider Trail LLC

07-11156

RI Spirit Trade Center LLC

07-11157

Stokes Realty LLC

07-11158

MDC Hollenberg LLC

07-11159

Airport Road LLC

07-11160

KMOV-TV, Inc.

07-11161

KMOV-TV, Inc.

07-11162

KMOV-TV, Inc.

07-11163

KMOV-TV, Inc.

07-11164

Heyde Key Properties

07-11165

Heyde Key Properties

07-11166

Heyde Key Properties

07-11167

Heyde Key Properties

07-11168

Reichhold, Inc.

07-11169

Campbell Taggart, Inc.

07-11170

Campbell Taggart, Inc.

07-11172

Cuccio Holdings LLC

07-11173

RYA LLC

07-11174

Choi Chi Woong

07-11175

Stag #1 LLC

07-11176

Rothman, Betty Jane & Milton

07-11177

Alliant Foodservice, Inc.

07-11178

Golterman Holding LLC

07-11179

CRP Holdings

07-11180

CRP Holdings

07-11181

Smith & Newby Berkeley

07-11182

Gundaker Commercial Group, Inc.

07-11183

GHH Investments LLC

07-11184

Woltman, Richard M.

07-11185

Matrix Group, Inc.

07-11187

Hennessey Dole Company

07-11188

Professional Investment Partnership

07-11189

1100 Research LLC

07-11190

BLF LLC

07-11191

JGDD Manchester LLC

07-11192

Colonnade Gardner LLC

07-11193

JB Management

07-11194

JB Management

07-11195

1750 South Hanley Road

07-11196

4156 Shoreline Properties

07-11197

Shoreline Court Investors LLC

07-11198

Sams Real Estate LLC

07-11199

Lynn Stuart, Inc.

07-11200

Rothermich, Larry & Patricia

07-11201

Ariel Investment LLC

07-11202

Camenzind Family Ltd. Partnership

07-11203

JFO Enterprises

07-11204

Kerls, Jack & Judith

07-11205

Express Enterprises LLC

07-11206

Phoenix Films, Inc.

07-11207

DLD Enterprise LLC

07-11208

Berkeley Properties, Inc.

07-11209

Lewis, Harold C.

07-11210

Manufacturers Supplies Company

07-11211

Tallman Pardee LLC

07-11233

B-V Slavik, Inc.

07-11234

Junior Properties LLC

07-11235

Henry Plumbing Supply

07-11236

39 Worthington Ltd. Partnership

07-11237

Hanley Crossings

07-11238

Chesterfield Stemme II

07-11239

Chesterfield Stemme

07-11240

Chesterfield Stemme

07-11241

Construction Investment Company

07-11242

Commerce Bank National Association

07-11243

Commerce Bank National Association

07-11244

Commerce Bank National Association

07-11245

Spanish Lake Bank & Trust

07-11246

Caplaco Twenty-Three

07-11247

Big Bend Bank

07-11248

Villa Lighting Supply Company, Inc.

07-11249

JBR Realty Company

07-11250

Lemay Manor

07-11251

Anacott Properties

07-11252

Anacott Properties

07-11253

Anacott Properties

07-11254

Anacott Properties

07-11255

McKnight Man II

07-11256

McKnight Man I

07-11257

Clayton Forum Partnership

07-11258

Cancila Family Real Estate

07-11259

Zeller Properties LLC

07-11260

Muchisky, Thomas & Michi

07-11261

Halls Ferry Cine LLC

07-11262

Halls Ferry Cine LLC

07-11263

Wehrenberg, Inc.

07-11264

THF Chesterfield Four Development

07-11265

Ronnies Plaza, Inc.

07-11266

Boegeman Construction

07-11267

Waycliffe Development

07-11268

Pennzoil United, Inc.

07-11269

Pennzoil Products Company

07-11270

2501 Adie Investors LLC

07-11271

Rhodes Development

07-11272

THF Chesterfield Development

07-11273

THF Chesterfield Development

07-11274

Gravois Bluffs South

07-11275

Wea Chesterfield LLC

07-11276

THF Maplewood Outparcel Development

07-11277

THF Maplewood Outparcel Development

07-11278

Red Lobster Inns

07-11280

A H C Properties

07-11281

MBSS Commercial Properties LLC

07-11282

Guild Building LLC

07-11283

Lou Fusz Properties LLC

07-11284

Fusz, Louis J.

07-11285

Forshaw of St. Louis, Inc.

07-11286

Lindway Realty Company

07-11287

Forshaw of St. Louis, Inc.

07-11288

Old Frontenac Square LLC

07-11289

1977 Properties LLC

07-11290

Hillyard Sales

07-11291

Husker Properties LLC

07-11292

J.D. Streett & Company

07-11293

Maritz, Inc.

07-11294

Maritz, Inc.

07-11297

Maritz, Inc.

07-11300

Hooverton LP

07-11301

Kramer, John & Florence

07-11302

Gerst Development

07-11303

Carol House Furniture

07-11304

Storz Instrument Company

07-11305

Mason Olive Central Associates

07-11306

Trend Manufacturing Company

07-11307

Taymor Lemay Manor II

07-11308

Cancila, Martin A.

07-11309

Cancila, Anthony & Lisa

07-11310

R G B Construction Company

07-11311

B B C Corporation

07-11312

Hanley Auto Body, Inc.

07-11313

Four Seventy Seven North Lindbergh

07-11317

Southtown Investments

07-11318

Southtown Investments

07-11319

Des Peres Cine LLC

07-11320

Des Peres Property North

07-11321

Des Peres Property South

07-11322

Des Peres Cine LLC

07-11323

Wehrenberg, Inc.

07-11324

Wehrenberg, Inc.

07-11325

Ronnies Plaza, Inc.

07-11326

Kennelwood Villages, Inc.

07-11327

Buckeye International, Inc.

07-11328

Harrah’s Maryland Heights

07-11329

HMH LLC

07-11330

Harrah’s Maryland Heights

07-11331

Harrah’s Maryland Heights

07-11332

Morrow Jesse Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.

07-11333

Leader Investment Company II LLC

07-11334

Stivers, Edward M. Jr.

07-11335

Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, Inc.

07-11336

Sinclair, David & Patricia

07-11337

Sinclair, Patricia

07-11338

Sinclair, David & Patricia

07-11339

Reliv International, Inc.

07-11340

Reliv International

07-11341

Kitchin, John & Carol

07-11342

Claybon Company

07-11343

Brown Shoe Company

07-11344

Brown Group, Inc.

07-11345

Graham Packaging Holdings

07-11346

First Industrial

07-11347

South Lindbergh Property

07-11348

Liebe, Robert J. Jr.

07-11349

Treecourt Holding LLC

07-11350

Whitehawk Investment Company LLC

07-11351

Evans, Roy & Suzanne

07-11352

GHH Investments LLC

07-11353

GHH Investments LLC

07-11354

Surendra Supta LLC

07-11355

Surendra K. Gupta LLC

07-11356

Surendra K. Gupta LLC

07-11357

Surendra Gupta LLC

07-11358

Surendra Gupta LLC

07-11359

Gupta Real Estate LLC

07-11360

American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc.

07-11361

Surendra Gupta LLC

07-11362

H R Petroleum, Inc.

07-11363

Cresam Properties LLC

07-11364

P & L Holdings LLC

07-11365

P & L Holdings LLC

07-11366

Tripos Realty LLC

07-11367

8500 Manchester LLC

07-11368

Sevens St. Louis LLC

07-11369

STL Craigshire 1940 LLC

07-11370

Marcal Company LLC

07-11371

M & S

07-11372

Glendale Chrysler Jeep

07-11373

Merlo, Shirley A.

07-11374

Ram International, Inc.

07-11375

Two Oaks Corp.

07-11376

Blessing Investments LLC

07-11377

Mijon V

07-11378

Walters Properties LLC

07-11379

Charbonier Manor

07-11380

Lackland Plaza

07-11381

Metro Partners LLC

07-12427

Terra Rosa LLC

07-12438

Sansone, Joseph C.


 

 


[1] See cases listed after Certificate of Service.

 

[2] In a discrimination case, the property owner must present evidence as to whether there was an intentional plan to assess the property at a ratio greater than 32% or at a ratio grossly excessive to the average 2007 commercial assessment ratio.This portion of the case is only to decide the average 2007 commercial assessment ratio; one element of a discrimination claim.

 

[3] All Exhibits, except Exhibit C are maintained by the State Tax Commission.Exhibit C will be returned to Complainant to maintain.

 

[4] STC Order dated 11-22-10

 

[5] Page 16 Exhibit B

 

[6] Exhibit 2 pg. 16

 

[7] Mr. Brooks was the acting assessor at the time of the hearing.Mr. Zimmerman was elected as the Assessor of St. Louis County after the hearing date.

 

[8] Exhibit R 11

 

[9] IAAO Standard on Ratio Studies, 2010

 

[10] IAAO Standard on Ratio Studies, 2010

 

[11] Article X, section 14, Mo. Const. of 1945; Sections 138.430, 138.431, 138.431.4, RSMo.

 

[12] Section 536.070(6), RSMo.

 

[13] State ex rel. Horton v. Bourke, 129 S.W.2d 866, 869 (1939); Barth v. Kansas City Elevated Railway Company, 44 S.W. 788, 781 (1898).

 

[14] Burton v. Moulder, 245 S.W.2d 844, 846 (Mo. 1952); Knorp v. Thompson, 175 S.W.2d 889, 894 (1943); Bushman v. Barlow, 15 S.W.2d 329, 332 (Mo. banc 1929)

 

[15] State ex rel St. Louis Public Service Company v. Public Service Commission, 291 S.W.2d 95, 97 (Mo. banc 1956).

 

[16] In re Murphy, 732 S.W.2d 895, 902 (Mo. banc 1987); State v. Gilmore, 681 S.W.2d 934, 940 (Mo. banc 1984); State v. Keeble, 399 S.W.2d 118, 122 (Mo. 1966).

 

[17] St. Louis County v. Security Bonhomme, Inc., 558 S.W.2d 655, 659 (Mo. banc 1977); St. Louis County v. STC, 515 S.W.2d 446, 450 (Mo. 1974); Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company v. STC, 436 S.W.2d 650 (Mo. 1968).

 

[18] Section 490.065, RSMo; State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts v. McDonagh, 123 S.W.3d 146 (Mo. SC. 2004); Courtroom Handbook on Missouri Evidence, Wm. A. Schroeder, Sections 702-505, pp. 325-350; Wulfing v. Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc., 842 S.W.2d 133 (Mo. App. E.D. 1992).

 

[19] St. Louis County v. Boatmen’s Trust Co., 857 S.W.2d 453, 457 (Mo. App. E.D. 1993); Vincent by Vincent v. Johnson, 833 S.W.2d 859, 865 (Mo. 1992); Beardsley v. Beardsley, 819 S.W.2d 400, 403 (Mo. App. 1991); Curnow v. Sloan, 625 S.W.2d 605, 607 (Mo. banc 1981).

 

[20] See, Westwood Partnership v. Gogarty, 103 S.W.3d 152 (Mo. App. E.D. 2003); Daly v. P. D. George Co., 77 S.W.3d 645 (Mo. App. E.D. 2002); Reeves v. Snider, 115 S.W.3d 375 (Mo. App. S.D. 2003).Industrial Development Authority of Kansas City v. State Tax Commission of Missouri, 804 S.W.2d 387, 392 (Mo. App. 1991).

 

[21] See, Cupples-Hesse Corporation v. State Tax Commission, 329 S.W.2d 696, 702 (Mo. 1959).

 

[22] Brooks v. General Motors Assembly Division, 527 S.W.2d 50, 53 (Mo. App. 1975).

 

[23] Town & Country Racquet Club v. State Tax Commission of Missouri, 811 S.W.2d 403 (Mo. App. 1991).

 

[25] Savage v. State Tax Commission, 722 S.W.2d 72 (Mo. banc 1986); Westwood Partnership v. Gogarty, 103 S.W.3d 152 (Mo. App. E.D. 2003.)

[27] IAAO Standard p. 7

 

[28] IAAO Standard p. 8

 

[29] IAAO Standard p. 9

 

[30] IAAO Standard Appendix A

 

[31] IAAO Standard Appendix A

 

[32] Ben Enterprises et al. v. Morton, 46 Proceedings and Decisions 412 (Appeal Number 89-11166, et al.)