ORD-2013-030 Ordinance approving Budget Amendment #1-D for FY 2013-14, Approval of Two (2.0 FTE) New Appraiser I Positions

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1 ORD-2013-030 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 5, 2013 Action Agenda Item No. 5-q SUBJECT: FY 2013-14 Budget Amendment-#1-D —Approval of Two (2.0 FTE) New Appraiser I Positions within the Revaluation Fund DEPARTMENT: Tax Office PUBLIC HEARING: _(Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Dwane Brinson, Tax Administrator, (919) 245-2726 PURPOSE: To consider approval of Budget Amendment #1-D by approving two (2.0 FTE) additional Appraiser I positions within the Revaluation Fund as part of the cyclical North Carolina revaluation process, and an appropriation from the Revaluation Fund's Unassigned Fund Balance to cover the FY 2013-14 costs. BACKGROUND: At its May 7, 2013- regular meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution delaying the next countywide revaluation until January 1, 2017. Discussion centered on a number of considerations, two main ones being (1) the improving economy and (2) a need for a full list and measure revaluation. The County has been decades without-a full list and measure revaluation, and completing this process will help ensure tax records are accurate. The industry average of those counties performing an in- house revaluation is 8,000 — 10,000 parcels per appraiser. Orange County has slightly more than 54,000 parcels and currently four appraisers. Raising that total to six appraisers brings staff levels to 9,000 parcels per appraiser. An effective hire date of October 1, 2013 is proposed as a full list and measure revaluation takes considerable time and effort. A number of internal processes and decisions need to be discussed and redefined should these additional positions be established. FINANCIAL IMPACT: As the 2015 revaluation was formally delayed prior to budget finalization, the Tax Administrator was able to significantly reduce costs accordingly. The annual cost, including salary, benefits and operating expenses, of these additional positions is estimated to be $110,760. Also, additional one-time startup costs, including office furnishings, laptops and software associated with the positions are estimated at $7,230. However, given the proposed effective start date of October 1, 2013 for these positions, the fiscal year 2013-14 financial impact is estimated at$90,720. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Amendment #1-D by approving these two new (2.0 FTE) Appraiser I positions within the Revaluation Fund, and approve an appropriation of $90,270 from the Revaluation Fund's Unassigned Fund Balance to cover the costs of the positions for FY 2013-14.