3.70.080 Tax adjustments on property affected by a natural disaster.
A. As provided by AS 29.45.230, the Haines Borough provides for assessment or reassessment and reduction of taxes for property destroyed, damaged or otherwise reduced in value as the result of a natural disaster.
B. Definitions. For purpose of this section, “disaster” is defined as a natural disaster affecting a large area of the Haines Borough which gives rise to a disaster declaration, including but not limited to fire, wind, earthquake, landslide, or extreme weather damage.
C. An assessment or reassessment under this section may be made by the assessor only upon the receipt of a sworn statement of the taxpayer who has incurred losses in excess of $10,000. A reduction of taxes may be made only on losses in excess of $10,000 for the remainder of the year following the disaster. In the event taxes have already been paid for the year, on reassessment, the municipality shall recompute the taxes and refund any excess taxes.
1. Requirements for applying for the adjustment.
a. A taxpayer must provide evidence of the loss estimate such as insurance documents, contractor quotes to repair, engineering quotes, etc.
b. The assessor or designee must inspect the property or make an investigation to determine the extent of the damage.
c. The reduction in assessment shall be for the remainder of the fiscal year of the event only.
d. If the repairs exceed the assessor’s value of the improvement, the reduction will be based on the assessor’s value.
e. The allowable reduction will be prorated by the percentage of the remaining fiscal year.
2. Method of determining the adjustment.
a. The assessor shall reassess the damaged property considering the damage caused by the natural disaster.
D. The municipality shall give notice of assessment or reassessment under this section and shall hold an equalization hearing as provided in this chapter, except that a notice of appeal must be filed with the board of equalization within 10 days after notice of assessment or reassessment is given to the person appealing. Otherwise, the right of appeal ceases unless the board finds that the taxpayer is unable to comply. (Ord. 21-04-584 § 4)