The Amador County Unified School District and County Office of Education Board Meeting held on July 23, 2025, featured a detailed presentation by Jim Rooney, the Amador County Assessor, regarding the annual assessment report. Rooney was accompanied by Assistant Assessor Jeff Himaman, who provided additional data during the discussion.

Rooney began by highlighting the growth in property assessments within Amador County, noting an increase of approximately 4.1% over the past year. This growth aligns closely with neighboring counties, such as Calaveras and El Dorado, which saw increases of 4.9% and similar rates, respectively. The most significant growth area in Amador County was Plymouth, which experienced nearly a 10% rise in assessments, followed by Ione at about 11%. Other areas, including Jackson and Sutter Creek, reported more modest increases of 4.2% and 3.35%, respectively.

The Assessor's office also tracks various physical data about residences in the county, including the number of homes, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Rooney reported that the total number of residences in Amador County grew by about 2% last year, with 141 new homes constructed across the county. Ione contributed 53 of these new homes, while Plymouth added 27.

Despite the overall increase in property assessments, Rooney pointed out a concerning trend: the number of primary residences in the county has been declining over the past six years. This decline indicates fewer homeowners are designating their properties as primary residences, which could reflect changing living patterns, such as more people using homes as vacation properties rather than permanent residences. Last year, there were approximately 140 fewer primary residences compared to the previous year.

Rooney emphasized the importance of the homeowner's exemption, which allows homeowners to reduce their assessed value by $7,000, translating to a modest tax savings. However, he noted that fewer residents are taking advantage of this exemption, which could have implications for property transfers within families.

During the meeting, board members inquired about future growth projections and potential subdivisions. Rooney indicated that there are limited new developments planned, although some areas in Ione, such as Wildflower and Symfandel Ridge, have room for growth.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the steady growth in property assessments in Amador County, while also raising concerns about the declining number of primary residences. The Assessor's office remains available for questions and further information regarding property assessments and homeowner exemptions.