The Fairbanks North Star Borough Board of Equalization voted 4–1 on May 2 to lower the 2025 assessed value for a three‑lot cabin cluster at 2350–2360 Maria Street after hearing an appeal from property owner Sam Moore.

Moore, owner of SGM Properties LLC, told the board the only lawful comparable sale for his cabins is a 2024 arm’s‑length sale at 159 Nash Street and asked the board to value his improvements at $38 per square foot. He cited "Alaska statute 29 45 1 10" and Fairbanks North Star Borough code 84.120 to argue that assessments should reflect recent, conversant market transactions. "159 Nash Street is the only lawful, accurate, and factually comparable transaction that should govern the assessment of my Maria Street properties," Moore said.

The board’s decision came after extended testimony from the assessor’s appraiser, Matt Casort, and questions from board members about comparability and modeling. Casort, an appraiser for the assessor, defended the assessor’s use of a computer‑assisted mass appraisal model and a set of comparable sales that included multi‑unit and single‑unit properties, saying the assessor considered cost, sales and income approaches and found the sales comparison and model appropriate. "All 3 standard approaches to value have been considered due to the appeal being filed," Casort said, noting the assessor could not complete a full income or cost approach without additional records.

Board Member Shuster moved to adjust the assessed value and said he included Nash Street in an array of sales to compute a new average; Mr. Daczynski seconded the motion. During deliberations several board members said Nash Street’s MLS listing warranted inclusion in the comparable array because it was in the same subdivision and was advertised publicly. Chair Jessica Markwood said the proximity and similarity made Nash Street relevant.

The final motion set the adjusted assessed value for the parcel considered in case 123 at land $18,767 and improvements $148,784, for a total assessed value of $167,551. The roll call in the record shows the motion passed 4–1.

Why it matters: The decision shows the Board of Equalization will sometimes deviate from assessor models when members find a recent, geographically proximate sale they deem a valid market indicator. The case also highlights recurring disagreements between appellants and the assessor over which sales are "conversant" and how to treat sales where buyers live outside the borough.

The board asked the assessor to prepare written findings of fact and conclusions of law for publication at a later meeting.