Joel’s Vision for a Reformed Assessor’s Office

– Make Taxes Make Sense –

1. Rectify unfair and unbalanced property assessments across the county

Here is a simple statement that shouldn’t be controversial or make me stand out as a candidate: Property taxes should be fair and equal across all property types.

However, this isn’t the case in Salt Lake County. As it stands on average, higher-value properties often have their assessments set below market value, while lower-value properties are assessed at or above market value. This means that lower-value properties often pay a disproportionate share of the tax burden, while higher-value homes and commercial properties often pay less than they should.

Aligning assessments with market values would result in a massive shift towards fairness and equity, benefitting working-class families the most. I’m running for Salt Lake County Assessor to make taxes make sense.


2. Reform and modernize the tax disputing process

Most people don’t realize that property owners can challenge their property tax rates through the state’s Board of Equalization. However, the current process is not accessible or straightforward, causing many to give up. Some claim the low number of disputes reflects good work, but I believe it shows how difficult the process is.

Utah is one of only 11 states that does not disclose real estate prices publicly, making it hard for homeowners to access the data needed to challenge tax assessments. In other states, public sales data is available for free, but in Utah, only realtors or appraisers who pay for the data can access it. This lack of transparency makes it tough for homeowners to know if a dispute is necessary and how to start one.

In short, the tax disputing process is too difficult, and Utah homeowners could use more clarity and assistance. As your Salt Lake County Assessor, I aim to simplify the process. I will integrate best practices from my appraisal company to ensure more guidance and transparency for those disputing their tax rates. My goal is to increase fair disputes and ensure everyone pays their fair share.


3. Modernize technology in the office

(Not a joke, they are using some systems that are as old as I am, and I was born in 1979) As your newly elected Assessor, my top priority would be to swiftly update and modernize the technology used within the office. Implementing cutting-edge software solutions will enable us to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ultimately provide superior service to everyone in the County. The current systems are outdated, leading to unnecessary delays and complications that hinder our ability to deliver timely and accurate assessments. Upgrading our systems will also improve our ability to respond to inquiries and process requests from residents more promptly, fostering a more responsive and user-friendly experience for all County residents.

FAQ

My Agenda Is You And What Matters To You And Your Family

This is actually a very common question I get while campaigning. The Utah Association of Counties made a really great video to explain the duties of an Assessor. But most people know what an Appraiser is. They are licensed to tell banks and other entities what a property is worth. The Assessor is the elected “Appraiser” for the county and works to create valuation practices for the county.

An Assessor decides how much properties are worth using a method that looks at lots of properties together, not one by one. They collect info like size, location, and use, and see how much similar places sell for. Then, they use math to make rules about what makes properties worth more or less. For example, bigger houses or those near parks might be worth more. This helps figure out a fair value for each property so everyone pays the right amount of taxes. It’s a quick way to make sure everyone’s treated fairly.


The Assessor determines your home’s value, influencing your property taxes. This value informs local entities (like school boards and municipalities) how much to charge in taxes as a percentage of that value. Essentially, the Assessor sets the stage for your tax bill, impacting what you pay to support community services.

The short answer is: Yes!
The long answer is: if you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you have the right to challenge it. The process typically involves filing an appeal with your local Assessor’s office within a specific timeframe after receiving your assessment notice. You’ll need to provide evidence as to why you believe the valuation is incorrect, such as recent sales data of comparable properties or information on any discrepancies in the property’s details. The Assessor’s office will review your appeal and may adjust the valuation based on the evidence provided. It’s a structured process designed to ensure fairness and accuracy in property valuations.

In Utah an Assessor needs to have an Appraiser license. Each state issues appraisal licenses based on federal minimum requirements. These requirements include extensive education requirements (including college education) as well as experience working with/for another Appraiser in a mentorship role.

In an ideal world, property valuations would be uniformly fair. However, biases and inaccuracies can arise without rigorous controls. Advanced tools and systems are essential to ensure valuations are both precise and equitable. They guard against subjectivity, making sure assessments are fair across the board. Essentially, the right infrastructure is key to maintaining valuation integrity.

Initially, the Assessor’s data comes from a physical assessment of your property, possibly conducted when it was first built. Over time, they update this data using property sales info, building permits, public records, and even satellite imagery to assess conditions and improvements. Although owners can submit information about their homes, it’s less common. If your property sold recently on a local MLS or other online platform, the Assessor most likely sees the data advertised for the property.

Yes, there are exemptions and reductions available for property taxes based on assessments. These often include reductions for non-profits, veterans, disabled individuals, and residential exemptions for primary residences. Some areas also offer tax relief based on agricultural properties.

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