We have heard so many complaints about Calaveras County property taxes and bad experiences when someone dares to challenge their assessement that we think something should be done.
At the last Board of Supervisors meeting it was brought out that most of the people who file a challenge appeal of their assessment fail to show for the hearings.
What is very clear is that all the Assessment Appeals Board (each of whom get paid whether anyone shows up or not) have NEVER been known to take the side of the property owner.
Is that why no one shows up? Do they know that they, who don't have county taxpayer money behind them to research or protect themselves legally, have ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE of winning?
This is not right, it's not fair and it is the fault of the Supervisors. If you don't like your assessment, blame the Board of Supervisors, who complain if the Assessor doesn't bring them in more money they can waste on endless expenditures.
Yes, we believe that the Assessment Appeals Board is simply a blanket ditto of the Assessors Office. Will it ever change?
Only with decent Supervisors who care more about the taxpayer than spending!
1 comment:
The BOS is legally responsible to sit as the Calaveras County Board of Equalization. The problem there, none of them have read the property tax rules. If you don't read, you can't understand the obligation that goes along with the legal responsibility.
Citizens have the statutory ability to sue regarding the outcome of their hearing. Most citizens do not understand their obligations regarding their application.
Yes, something needs to change. Citizens need an ombudsman that can assist with current comparable sales information to, hopefully, rebut the Assessor's information.
I would recommend that someone appealing goes to a number of AAB meetings to get a feel and pay close attention to what happens, what is said and who said it.
The lady who was just reappointed, recently expressed a comment that showed a bias against property owners. She should not sit on anyone's appeal hearing. Spellman was against her appointment, something was said and he caved. She was appointed. Another bad day for Calaveras County.
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