Juneau property owners challenge $1.1M gap in Glacier Highway assessment

Brent and Erin Howell contend the City and Borough of Juneau has overvalued their mixed-use building at 11806 Glacier Highway by more than $1.1 million.

The Howells put the building's value at $1,841,285. The city assessed it at $2,973,800. Both sides agree the land itself is worth $595,400, placing the total property values at $2,436,685 and $3,569,200, respectively. The building includes retail space, apartments, and mini-warehouses.

Under Alaska law, property must be assessed at fair market value, defined as the best estimate of what it would have sold for on the assessment date. The Howells bear the burden of showing the city's figure does not reflect that standard. Supporting evidence can include comparable sales, rent rolls, and income information.

The city's assessor recommends the board uphold the original assessment.

The Juneau Board of Equalization will hear their appeal Thursday, July 16.