The Board’s Revaluation Review Committee held its second meeting on March 18. The committee’s focus is to review current policies and procedures of the Board of Equalization and Review and to recommend to full Board possible changes that will bring future BER’s into line with developing BOCC standards.

Commissioner Committee members Bentley, Fuller, Leake and Ridenhour heard from members of the current BER, the Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee, Pearson’s Appraisal Services and County Assessor staff.

Some of the recommendations from participants include:

• An improved informal appeal process that would allow taxpayers to schedule face-to-face meetings with assessor staff. The goal would be to settle more appeals before getting to the BER.
• If an appeal is rejected by staff, include a reason for the “no-change” decision.
• Instructions for appealing an assessment that are easier to understand (both informal and formal).
• More help for taxpayers opting for a formal appeal to include a list of information that the BER needs to make a ruling.
• Better communication on the Assessor website to help taxpayers understand the appeal process.

The Committee will meet again March 25.