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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: September 15, 2009 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. (p - b <br />SUBJECT• Reorganization of Revenue and Assessor's Office <br />DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Proposed Tax Administrator Organizational Frank Clifton, County Manager, 245-2300 <br />Chart <br />Current Tax Collector Organizational Chart <br />Current Tax Assessor's Organizational <br />Chart <br />PURPOSE: To inform the Board of proposed plans related to the merging of the Assessor's <br />Office and Revenue into one department to allow for a smooth and efficient transition while <br />working to maintain the same levels in quality service currently provided to the public. <br />BACKGROUND: On January 22, 2009 the Board approved a contract with Barry Strock <br />Consulting Associates to begin the implementation of the Property Information Management <br />Software System (PIMS) for managing land records and property taxation. Staff in both the Tax <br />Assessor and Revenue Offices have been assigned to concentrate on the implementing, <br />testing, and training of the PIMS system. <br />Upcoming retirements in the Tax Assessor's Office have provided staff with the opportunity to <br />develop a plan for continued high levels of customer service while implementing the PIMS <br />system; as well as provide additional efficiencies in the County's operations. <br />To continue the Board's charge to develop efficiencies within the organization, staff is reviewing <br />the consolidation of the Tax Assessor's Office and Revenue Department. The consolidation will <br />become official with the December 31, 2009 retirement of Tax Assessor John Smith. The new <br />department will be titled as the Tax Office and will be led by a Tax Administrator. The newly <br />created Tax Office will be responsible for the continued listing, assessing, tax/revenue <br />collections, and land records. <br />Benefits of this consolidation will include increased efficiency and functionality. This will be <br />attained by allowing cross-training among functions and continuing to foster strong coordination <br />and cooperation among the divisions within the department. Consolidation will also provide the <br />flexibility to move resources in order to support specific functions during peak periods. This <br />flexibility will enhance the department's service to the public. <br />