Committee backs Associated Appraisals renewal at $90,000/year; RFP motion fails

The Village of Germantown General Government & Finance Committee voted to recommend a three-year contract renewal with Associated Appraisals for assessment years 2026–2028 at $90,000 per year, a 5.5% increase over the prior agreement. The committee rejected an amendment to require a competitive request for proposals by a 2-1 vote.

Finance staff presented the renewal during the meeting and said Associated has provided continuous service after issues with a prior firm. Staff recommended keeping the vendor rather than issuing an RFP given the modest price increase and continuity concerns.

A trustee urged issuing an RFP because the village is in “tight budget season” and might find a lower price; other trustees and staff said the two large, local appraisal firms are likely to bid and that bidding could produce higher rates. The motion to seek an RFP failed 2-1; the original motion to recommend the Associated Appraisals contract passed 2-1 and will be forwarded to the Village Board for final approval.

The contract form includes an optional website-posting clause (left blank in the draft). Staff confirmed Associated Appraisals currently posts assessments on their website.

Discussion only: committee debated value of continuity versus procurement competition. Direction: staff will forward the recommended contract to the Village Board. Decision: committee voted to recommend the three‑year renewal with Associated Appraisals and rejected the RFP amendment (vote 2-1).