County board seeks certified candidates for board‑of‑review vacancy; May 8 test set in Lake County

Alex (staff) briefed the Finance & Audit Committee on a vacancy on the county’s Board of Review after a long‑serving member retired. He described the board as a quasi‑judicial panel that resolves disputes about real‑estate valuation and emphasized statutory requirements: candidates must pass an Illinois Department of Revenue exam, have real‑estate appraisal or assessment experience, and the appointed three‑person panel must meet statutory party‑balance rules.

Alex said the retirement triggered an expedited timeline: the next Illinois exam is scheduled for May 8 in Lake County, and the successful candidate would need to be identified quickly for a term that begins May 30. He recommended staff and the Board of Review interview and screen qualified candidates and then present one or two finalists to the county board for final appointment.

Rebecca Bircher and Michael Gravenik, two board of review members who joined the meeting, described the technical nature of hearings and the importance of appropriate comparables and inspections in appraisal evidence. Members asked about alternates, per‑diem pay and travel reimbursement for out‑of‑county alternates, and whether virtual hearing options could be used in some circumstances. Staff said they had posted requirements on the county website, emailed local real‑estate professionals, and would return with a candidate list and recommended process for final approval.

Committee members voiced general support for allowing staff to pre‑screen candidates because the May 8 test timeline is tight, but reserved the board’s right to review finalists before appointment. No final appointment was made at the meeting; staff will report back after the May 8 exam.