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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) There was some disagreement on the method used to appraise and assess six buyout properties during a city commission meeting on Monday. Valley City resident Maurice Kvien expressed his frustration with the city as they have put him and others on hold since May.

Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson approved of the appraised amounts and explained why it was important to not to change the rules with this group.

Commissioner Madaline Luke says we need to be careful with taxpayer money in future buyout appraisals.

Mayor Bob Werkhoven and commissioner Luke believe some of the appraisals are high and that a change in the process is needed.

So the city commission agreed to allow the city assessor to look at the appraised value of future buyout properties in the next phase.

The estimated buyout of 13 properties along 5th avenue southwest is at $1,159,780. The lion’s share $217,000 went for the purchase of the Naeseth property.

On a 3 to 2 vote the city commission approved the appraised amounts for six properties in Valley City eligible for flood buyout. $130,000 for the Kvien property at 667 5th avenue southwest, $76,000 for the Rueckert/Christopher property at 659 5th avenue southwest, $130,000 for the Wettstein propoerty at 496 6th street southwest, $98,000 for Bridge City Properties at 504 5th avenue southwest, $128,500 for the Schneider property at 492 5th avenue southwest and $145,000 for the Langemo property at 480 5th avenue southwest.

Mayor Werkhoven and commissioner Luke voted against approving the appraised amounts while commissioners Magnuson, Nielson and Pedersen approved of the appraised amounts during the commissions regular meeting on November 4.