By Liam Marlaire Leader-Telegram staff One of the greatest single sources of revenue for municipalities may soon be getting a significant makeover. Locally assessed property values combined with an equalization process not only yield direct tax revenues, but the state uses the information to determine aid distribution. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue, however, has launched an effort to transfer assessment responsibilities to the county level. "First, we must reduce ambiguity and increase the public trust by working toward a legal and administrative framework that is modern, efficient and adaptable to change," said Roger Ervin, state DOR secretary, during a presentation Oct. 13 to the Wisconsin Towns Association in Stevens Point. The text of the speech is on the DOR's Web site. "Second, we must guarantee the reliable collection of data, which is possible only through a healthy and professional assessment industry. And finally, we must ensure the highest level of quality and efficient data management through the integration of technology and market dynamics." Wisconsin currently is one of the few states that doesn't employ a county-based system. Assessments are gathered by 1,851 municipalities, by far the most assessment districts within one state in the country. A county-centered approach would cut that number to 72. "Today, with the technology we have, we can really gain efficiency of scale by consolidating our assessments," said Linda Barth of the DOR, "and add fairness and accuracy." Committees have explored the issue over the past few decades, Barth said, and all have supported a county-based system. The current proposal eventually would require legislation. The measure will be discussed during a Wednesday, Dec. 2, town hall meeting in Eau Claire. Concerns raised at earlier town hall meetings included a lack of control at the local level. "This is a starting point," Barth said. "We want to get feedback and input from assessors, local and county government officials and the taxpayers." The DOR is developing a database that will list details of every parcel in the state, allowing users to compare assessments statewide. It's anticipated that geographic information systems and digital images eventually will play a role. The latter will be used to augment on-site inspections, which will take place on 20 percent of the parcels in the state every year. The system would basically equalize values at the individual property level instead of the municipality level. It also would standardize the assessment process. "Assuming the proposal results in a best practices county assessment system, there would be little effect on city assessments," said Allen Andreo, city assessor for Eau Claire, who added that details are lacking in the proposal. "The city already operates with a best practices system, constrained only by funding limits and staffing levels." The proposal could, however, have a greater impact in less populated areas. There are six- to 10-year gaps between re-evaluations in some municipalities. "County assessment administration could increase assessment equity in rural areas," Andreo said. "County administration will also likely increase costs for the rural areas, since the rural areas typically place a low priority on funding the property assessment process." Richard Stadelman, executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association, said Kenosha County had a county assessment until about 10 years ago. "Our association has expressed concerns at this time about the DOR proposal," he said. "The shifting of the assessment to the county takes local control over hiring the assessing to the county. We believe that from all prior experience and previous DOR studies, the cost of assessing will increase. "For property owners it means they will likely not have a local assessor who they know or at least contact in their town, but will now have to go to the county to seek answers and ask their questions, and will have to attend a board of review at the county level rather than in their own town, village or city." Marlaire can be reached at 833-9215, 800-236-7077 or [email protected]. If You Go What: Town hall meeting led by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue regarding a proposal to move property tax valuation and administration to the county level. When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Where: Big Rivers Conference Center, lower level of Chippewa Valley Technical College's Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Information: Visit www.revenue.wi.gov or contact Jean Adler at 608-266-9759 or [email protected]. Five-Year Plan First three years County assessment offices created. Municipalities required to upgrade parcel details and assess at market value within three years. Fourth year Municipalities no longer assess. County offices first publish assessment rolls. County Board of Assessors and Board of Review functioning. Department of Revenue begins to adopt county values as full/equalized values. Fifth year Assessment functions completed by counties except manufacturing. DOR audits county processes to verify standards and uniformity. Statewide county assessment: All counties at full/equalized value.
