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Assessor proposes lidar and camera imaging to cut field inspections, could reduce staff through attrition
Summary
The county assessor described plans to use lidar and high-resolution imaging to reduce in-person inspections, improve safety for field staff and potentially reduce up to four FTE through attrition as the system is phased in over about two years.
The county assessor told commissioners the office is testing lidar and camera imaging technology to replace many in-person property inspections, improve staff safety, and modernize the appraisal process. The assessor said the technology captures high-resolution imagery and lidar measurements at frequent intervals along roadways and can be integrated with aerial imagery and the Department of Revenue standards to qualify as physical site inspections.
The assessor said the initial bid appeared reasonable and that counties elsewhere in the state are already using similar systems. Implementation will require reorganizing inspection cycles from the office's current nongeographic pattern to geographic areas so field work can be scheduled and managed efficiently. The assessor estimated the technology could eliminate up to four FTE over time via attrition once processes are retooled and the system is fully adopted. The office estimated a two-year timeframe to rework inspection cycles and operationalize the technology.
Commissioners asked whether other agencies could use the imagery; the assessor said the county would own the contract and other county agencies could access the imagery via county contracts. The assessor also said images would be stored in the cloud and IT had reviewed access and security. No formal decisions were made at the Sept. 15 meeting; the assessor said the office will continue planning and return with more detailed timelines and cost-benefit information.
