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Approve the appointment of Samuel Benson to serve as an alternate member of the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board to fill an unexpired term from March 12, 2024, through September 1, 2025
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Clerk of the Board’s office recommends the Board approve the appointment of Samuel Benson to serve as an alternate member of the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board to fill an unexpired term from March 12, 2024, through September 1, 2025
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Solano County Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) was created in January 1992 by County Ordinance 1412. The AAB is charged to hear all matters pending before the Solano County Board of Equalization. The AAB consists of five members (three regular AAB members and two alternates). Per Revenue and Taxation Code section 1624 et. seq., AAB members are to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in California as a certified public accountant, a licensed real estate broker, an attorney, or a property appraiser. Serving on the AAB requires reviewing monthly agenda items and dedicating approximately half a day per month to the County to hear appeals on residential and commercial property. The term of office of members appointed to the AAB is for three years beginning on the first Monday in the month of September.
On December 12, 2023, AAB alternate member Elvin Valverde was appointed as a regular AAB Board Member upon the retirement of Albert Sullivan. This appointment left the AAB with one vacant alternate Member position.
Per the Maddy Action, on December 13, 2023, the Clerk of the Board’s office posted a vacancy notice for the alternate board member position. The Clerk of the Board’s office received one application.
Samuel Benson, a Division Broker for Real Brokerage Technologies, has expressed an interest in joining the AAB as an Alternate Member. Mr. Benson has been a licensed real estate broker since 1990 and has 16 years of experience working in real estate in the Bay Area and Sacramento Delta regions. Mr. Benson meets the qualifications of Revenue and Taxation Code Section 1624 et. seq. Mr. Benson has previously served as a Commissioner on the Public Safety Oversight Commission for the City of Rio Vista and therefore has a working knowledge of the legislative process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
As approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 23, 2004, members of the Assessment Appeals Board are eligible for compensation of $100 per half day or $200 for a full day. If a hearing runs consecutive days due to a complex assessment appeals, members receive $400 per day. In addition, members receive $25 per hour for document review and preparation time for assessment appeal cases. Assessment Appeals Board stipends are budgeted in the Clerk of the Board Division within the County Administrator’s Office departmental budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to appoint Mr. Benson to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term and request the Clerk of the Board’s office create a new recruitment. This action is not recommended as Mr. Benson is qualified for the position and desires to serve on the Board.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION