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Approve the reappointments of Alesia Thomas to serve as a primary member and James Du Charme to serve as an alternate member of the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board for 3-year terms through September 4, 2028
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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 that the Board of Supervisors (Board) approve the reappointments of Alesia Thomas to serve as a primary member and James Du Charme to serve as an alternate member of the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board for 3-year terms through September 4, 2028.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
On September 4, 2024, at the recommendation of the AAB Interview Ad hoc Committee of Supervisor Brown and Supervisor Williams, the Board of Supervisors appointed Alesia Thomas to serve as a primary representative to fill the unexpired term of John Conboy and appointed James DuCharme as an alternate representative to fill the unexpired term of Samuel Benson. Both Ms. Thomas and Mr. DuCharme have respectfully requested consideration by the Board for another term of appointment.
Ms. Thomas is a real estate broker for Premier Properties and has been a licensed real estate broker for 21 years. Mr. Du Charme has been a licensed attorney for over 50 years and has served as an attorney fee arbitrator for over 30 years. Both Ms. Thomas and Mr. Du Charme meet the qualifications of Revenue and Taxation Code §1624 et. seq.
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 primary AAB members and two alternates). Per Revenue and Taxation Code § 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.
Per the Maddy Act, the Clerk of the Board’s office posted vacancy notices for both the primary and alternate board member positions.
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 reappoint the two incumbent applicants. This is not recommended as both applicants have served on the AAB for the previous year and are well qualified for the positions.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION