The Republican nominee for Hamilton County Assessor of Property, Marty Haynes, released his plans for office modernization to meet the needs of the growth of Hamilton County while maintaining the office's performance as one of the best in the state of Tennessee.
"While running for this office, campaigning has been important," said Mr. Haynes. "But, as an executive office of our county government, it has been critical for me to meet with assessment professionals from across the state in understanding the importance of the assessments to be completed in 2017. The transition must be seamless as Mr. Bennett retires to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the work ahead." Mr. Haynes is currently the county commissioner representing District 3 of Hamilton County.
Citing the 100 percent compliance of an audit conducted reviewing the 3rd and 4th quarters of the 2014-2015 and the 1st and 2nd quarter of the 2015-2016 tax years, the assessor's office was "found to be in compliance with all requirements regarding visual inspections, map maintenance, sales listing and verifications, administrative functions including leasehold assessments reviews, exempt property reviews, mobile home park reviews, rollback calculations and new applications on agricultural properties, Assessment change notices, a completed assessment roll and the review of the County Board of Equalization's compliance with TCA 67-a-401(c). All of the categories were correct 100 percent.," according to the incumbent Assessor Bill Bennett, retiring after leading the office since 1994.
Specifics provided by Mr. Haynes included:
Enhance the current website for greater customer online resources such as forms, filing and appeals initiation
Establish an online personal property system for commercial customers to facilitate quicker access of information and service while saving money
Create a digital identification photo directory of all properties for use in the upcoming reappraisal process to permit online access as well as accuracy, especially during any appeals
Expand staff training and expertise through participation of all personnel at both the state and national level in Tennessee's Division of Property Assessors and the International Association of Assessing Officials certification and education. The ultimate goal of all staff appraisers and managers to obtain the TN Master Assessor designation by 2020 will best serve property owners.
Cross-train personnel to ensure prompt and accurate responses to office customers
"Hamilton County's Assessor's Office will continue to lead the state with excellent staff and efficiencies in place," said Mr. Haynes, who has received the endorsement of both Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and incumbent Assessor Bill Bennett. "The trust of property owners and the accurate and efficient service will be our priorities."