Assessment staff report fewer appeals, committee approves three-year appraisal contract for Rivian plant

The Finance Committee on Dec. 3 approved a three-year contract for professional appraisal services to continue mass appraisal valuation work at the Rivian plant and received an update from assessment staff on appeals, staffing and outreach.

Chair Lehman introduced the assessment item. Committee discussion named Thomas White Pickett and Associates as the vendor; staff said the relationship began in 2022 for the 2023 assessment year and the three-year extension is budgeted. Member Rosamundoza moved the contract; Member Loeffler seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Assessment staff reported the statutorily required appeal window for the 2025 assessment year closed with 868 complaints filed, down from 948 the prior year. Staff said final board hearings are scheduled for Dec. 19 and invited the public to those hearings. Personnel updates included the retirement of deputy Connie Clifford, promotion of staff assessor Sean Harner to assistant CCAO, and hiring of a new GIS staff member, Lily Medley. Staff also summarized community education sessions held in Cooksville, Lexington, Mount Hope and Leroy with average attendance of 12–20 people and particularly strong rural participation.

The assessment office noted the appraisal work is needed so long as construction and new additions at the Rivian site continue and that the contract is budgeted within the assessments request. No amendments to the contract were recorded in the meeting transcript.