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Approve the reappointments of Albert B. Sullivan serving as a regular member and John M. Conboy serving as an alternate member; and Approve the appointment of William R. Watson to serve as an alternate member to the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board for the terms of September 3, 2018 through September 6, 2021
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the reappointments of Albert B. Sullivan serving as a regular member and John M. Conboy serving as an alternate member, and approve the appointment of William R. Watson to serve as an alternate member to the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) for three year terms to expire on September 6, 2021.
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 or 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.
Mr. Sullivan, a certified public accountant in California, has served as a regular member on the AAB since September of 2004 and has respectfully asked for the Board’s consideration for another term of appointment on the AAB. Mr. Conboy, a retired attorney, Judge Pro-temp, Solano County Superior Court, and currently serving as an alternate member on the AAB since July 2016 has also respectfully asked for the Board’s consideration for another term of appointment. Additionally, Mr. Conboy served on the AAB as an alternate or regular member during the period of April 1996 to September 2006. Both individuals meet the qualifications and were appointed after a recruitment and selection process.
An alternate member vacancy currently exists on the AAB. To fill this vacancy a public notice was published in the Daily Republic in June 2018 to begin the recruitment process. Two written applications were received in the Clerk of the Board’s Office. The candidate selection process included an evaluation of the written applications with the selection of both applicants for interviews. Representatives from County Counsel’s Office, Auditor-Controller’s Office and the current Chair of the AAB held the interviews. Mr. Watson, a retired California licensed real estate broker, is recommended to be appointed to fill the current alternate vacancy.
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 appeal, members receive $400 per day. In addition, members receive $25 per hour for document review and preparation time for complex 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 to make alternate appointments or request a new recruitment.