Washoe County Board of Equalization reaffirms in-person hearings and sets 20-minute time limit for petitioners

The Washoe County Board of Equalization voted at its organizational meeting to keep hearings in-person and to maintain a 20-minute speaking limit for petitioners, with a 10-minute rebuttal for the assessor. The board also elected Eugenia Bonenfant as vice chair by voice vote.

The clerk, Jan Galasini, reviewed logistics for the upcoming hearing season, noting that state rules require hearings to be held in February and that final hearings are tentatively scheduled for Feb. 26 or Feb. 27. Galasini told members they will receive electronic hearing packets about five days before each hearing to allow time for review and consultation with assessor staff.

Board members who spoke during the rule discussion said previous hybrid or virtual sessions had caused disruptions when petitioners brought paperwork in person rather than submitting it in advance. The board then moved and approved a rule to continue in-person hearings only. The motion passed by voice vote.

The board also confirmed its time-limit structure, which the clerk and members said has been used historically: petitioners receive 20 minutes to present, and the assessor is allotted a 10-minute rebuttal. The motion to continue those limits was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Clerk staff described operational supports: the clerk's office will record and televise hearings, provide a motions book tailored to different hearing types (real property, personal property, stipulations), and offer technical assistance and laptops for members who request them. The clerk also said the DA's office will adjudicate whether late petitions bearing disputed postmarks may be heard.

The meeting closed after brief board remarks welcoming new members. The board did not receive any public comment at the session.