Mono County Board removes Assessment Appeals Board member and seeks nominations

The Mono County Board of Supervisors voted on Jan. 21 to remove a regularly appointed member of the county—s Assessment Appeals Board after the member missed required meetings, and directed the Clerk-Recorder—s office to accept nominations for a replacement.

Clerk-Recorder Queenie Barnard told the board the Assessment Appeals Board consists of impartial members who weigh evidence from appellants and the assessor on property-value appeals; the county keeps three regular members and two alternates. Because one regular member failed to appear at multiple meetings the county asked the board to remove that member so hearings can continue with a functioning panel.

Board action and process - The board voted 5-0 to remove the regular member and to solicit nominations; staff asked supervisors to forward nominations to the Clerk-Recorder—s office for a replacement appointment before the first Board meeting of February. The board noted two of the continuing regular members are retired or semi-retired and said recruiting is difficult.

Why it matters: The Assessment Appeals Board hears property-value disputes that can affect tax liabilities and county revenues. A functioning board quorum and predictable meeting frequency (staff said hearings meet roughly eight to ten times per year) are necessary to guarantee timely consideration of appeals.

Practicals - Meeting frequency: staff said the AAB hears cases roughly 8—10 times per year and may meet in person in Bridgeport for evidence-heavy hearings; some withdrawn matters are handled remotely and take minutes to approve. - Replacement timeline: the Clerk-Recorder requested possible nominees be submitted by the first February board meeting so a replacement can be appointed in time for hearings scheduled in March.

Sources: Mono County Clerk-Recorder staff presentation and Board action at the Jan. 21, 2025 meeting.