Key Issues
- An open and fair appeal process is needed so that taxpayers can present valid evidence as to the factors that contribute to or detract from value. A One on One approach with the public is the method I favor for explaining the process and gathering important data needed in the valuation process. I believe the public should have a chance to sit down with an assessor and have evidence shown to him that the property is valued correctly. Not that the whole city is valued “approximately” correct but that his property is valued correct. This would also be the time for taxpayers to provide any information regarding the value of their property to the office.
- An understandable system for determining values derived from the Market, one that an average person can understand, is needed. Everyday people are the Market and if they can’t figure out how the Assessor is setting values, it couldn’t possibly be based on what the Market (people) have determined.
- Assessments based on real property data. The data currently used by the Assessors Office is old, “just plain wrong” and does not provide an accurate description of the property to be valued.
- The Classification system used now is useless and confusing. Since the new 10/25 Assessment Ratio was implemented, there is no reason to have as many classes as we now have. There really only needs to be 3 Classifications: 1) Residential, 2) Commercial and 3) Incentive properties. Descriptive characteristics should be kept to distinguish the different property types. ie. story height, style, use, etc. The Classification system should be simplified.
- A modern, up to date Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system needs to be implemented. The current system dates back to the 1980’s and is based upon 1950’s computer technology and programming language. The third largest Assessment Jurisdiction in the U.S. should not have an old and outdated system. It requires a modern, integrated, adaptable system to get the job done effectively and accurately without data loss. I have the experience and knowledge to implement such a system without adding additional spending to the Assessors budget.
- The Board of Review needs oversight and legal changes to make it fair for the average taxpayer. Right now, unless you have the “right” lawyer, your chances of getting a reduction are no better than 50/50. Even if you do get a reduction, chances are it does not mean a reduction in taxes because of the increased Tax Rate. The legal changes would require that each taxpayer could represent himself without filing lots of legal paperwork in confusing legal language to the Board of Review just to have your appeal heard. And every taxpayer should be allowed to testify and bring evidence regarding the value of his property. Oversight is needed to prevent undeserving reductions in assessments due to the “Pay for Play” practices in place now. Without these changes, the tax system could never be fair because of the unlawful reductions given to some.
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