The Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee (CRAC) met November 1 and was briefed on the review of the 2011 Revaluation by Pearson’s Appraisal Service. Pearson’s was hired by the County to review all aspects of the revaluation after complaints from property owners. CRAC’s role is to monitor the review to make sure the scope of work laid out by the Board of County Commissioners is completed.

Pearson’s Witt Putney outlined the many locations visited during the study of neighborhood equity, individual property cards, commercial properties and more. Pearson’s also has reviewed of how the Assessor’s staff handled informal appeals, and has studied the workings of the Board of Equalization and Review as it tackled formal reviews.

       

CRAC Chairman Tom Derham is concerned about how Pearson’s recommendations may impact the pending 2012 appeals as well as property owners who did not file a 2012 appeal before the deadline. For instance, if process changes are recommended, he wondered whether they should be implemented before for the 2012 appeals begin. He also asked whether the 2012 appeals should be delayed if the County decides to relook at some neighborhoods.

Pearson’s is set to brief the Board of County Commissioners on November 7 about the steps it has taken to conduct the review consistent with the scope of work.  Pearson’s also will identify the key themes that have emerged from the review.  The Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee will report whether it believes Pearson’s review was conducted consistent with the scope of work.

Pearson’s will present a summary and key details of its findings and recommendations at the November 13 BOCC Budget & Public Policy meeting. On November 14-19, Pearson’s will conduct its second round of public meetings to present a summary of its findings and recommendations.

Pearson’s final written report will be provided to the Board as part of the Board’s November 20 meeting agenda, along with the County Manager’s recommendations pursuant to Pearson’s report.