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City staff propose hybrid assessing-support RFP to address late tax commitments and valuation shifts
Summary
Staff outlined an RFP to contract supplemental assessing services (personal property, field work and process redesign) while retaining the city-certified assessor, aiming to get tax bills out on time amid rapid valuation growth and public concern.
Ellsworth — Staff presented challenges in the assessing office linked to a rapid rise in property valuations and late tax commitments. The city’s total valuation climbed sharply in recent years, staff said, and that growth — concentrated on waterfront properties — caused uneven tax changes and public complaints.
To address workload and process issues, staff proposed a supplemental, hybrid RFP to assist the certified city assessor with personal-property data collection, new-build fieldwork and evaluation of internal business processes. Staff emphasized that the RFP would not replace the certified assessor: Larry would remain the city assessor and any contract work would support his office.
Staff intends to post the RFP with a short turnaround and bring proposals to council at the December meeting if responses are sufficient. The proposal aims for a mix of near-term staffing help and longer-term business process redesign to ensure tax commitments and bills are issued on time. Councilors noted community sensitivity to outsourcing and discussed hybrid models and the need for clear communication with residents.
No contract award was made during the workshop; staff will post the RFP, evaluate responses and return to the council for consideration.
