Board approves assessor's request to use website as official valuation notice; supervisors raise internet-access concerns

The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution permitting the assessor to use the county website as the official posting for annual valuation notices, a change intended to save mailing costs and staff time.

Sandra Robertson identified herself for the record during the discussion and explained that the website already displays assessed values and that the resolution would make that posting an official notice in lieu of separate mailed notices. "It's actually already on our website, and the resolution we're asking for is for permission for that to be the official notice and us not to have to do the mailing in addition to that," a county staff member said.

Several supervisors supported the cost-saving measure but one supervisor warned that about "20% of my constituents don't have Internet service" and asked whether a paper option would be available for residents who cannot access the web. Staff said an option to provide printed information could be created, but that process was not yet set up.

Board members clarified that tax bills themselves are still issued by the tax collector and not affected by the assessor's website posting; the change affects the valuation notice posted for public inspection. The motion to adopt the resolution passed by roll call with all supervisors voting in favor.

Staff committed to developing a process to provide a paper copy on request and to ensure the public is informed about where to find assessed values online.