State work group hears calls for statewide AAB training, registry and clearer cross‑county rules

Summary

County officials and advocacy groups at a State Board of Equalization work group on Sept. 16 urged the Board to sponsor statewide training, create an AAB registry, and clarify rules for borrowing assessment appeals board members across counties to address recruitment and retention problems, particularly in small and rural counties.

The State Board of Equalization heard detailed proposals Sept. 16 aimed at easing chronic recruitment and training problems for county assessment appeals boards, with large counties offering templates smaller counties say they cannot yet operate alone.

County officials, clerks and taxpayer advocates told the Board’s work group that a mix of statewide training, plain‑language materials and clearer interpretations of existing law could increase the pool of qualified volunteers and reduce inconsistent decisions.

Why it matters: assessment appeals boards (AABs) decide disputes over property assessments that affect tax bills for homeowners, businesses and public agencies. Several counties said they lack a steady pool of willing, qualified members — and when panels are incomplete or inexperienced, cases can be delayed or produce decisions that invite litigation.

Los Angeles County representatives described an extensive local program that county officials and outside groups said could serve as a model. Jennifer Tran, director for the LA County board executive office, said LA expanded virtual hearings in 2021 and grew daily board capacity from five to eight panels. The county runs a two‑part onboarding curriculum, mandatory quarterly legal briefings led by County…

State work group hears calls for statewide AAB training, registry and clearer cross‑county rules

Summary

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