ASSISTANT CITY ASSESSOR - COMMERCIAL

General Responsibilities:

This is responsible professional and managerial work in developing and implementing the City's commercial property appraisal and assessment program. The employee is responsible for planning, directing and evaluating the work of property appraisal staff and administering the ongoing appraisal and assessment of all commercial, agricultural and personal property throughout the City. Work involves considerable judgment and discretion in meeting program objectives. The employee works under the general supervision of the City Assessor, who reviews the work upon completion for conformance with objectives and/or policy-level determinations.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan, direct and evaluate the work of property appraisal staff, and administer ongoing programmatic responsibilities for commercial and personal property valuations on a citywide basis. Hire, train, supervise, evaluate and discipline appraisal staff (or effectively recommend such action).

Determine the need for and direct assessment maintenance efforts to reflect property improvements, demolitions, damages, changes in land use or other pertinent valuation factors. Organize and oversee related economic research and data collection to determine valuation trends and methodologies. Annually complete a stratified commercial sales analysis to use when reviewing the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's commercial sales analysis and make recommendations.

Develop and recommend to the City Assessor policies and operating practices relative to the valuation program. Implement and/or interpret all related standards. Explain appraisal and assessment policies and procedures to property owners, developers, department/division personnel and elected officials.

Direct the preparation and presentation of cases presented to the Board of Assessors, Board of Review, Circuit Court, Appellate Court, Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Testify as an expert witness as required. Serve as a member of the Board of Assessors.

Act in the capacity of the City Assessor at Board of Review hearings. Prepare and complete the questioning of witnesses at the Board of Review. Work directly with the City Attorney in the preparation and presentation of all court cases.

Provide consultation and direction to subordinates on the more complex assessment functions. Personally perform the most difficult and judgmental appraisals. Maintain an awareness of property tax exemption statutes and case law. Advise the City Assessor on exemption requests. Monitor the status of exemptions and make recommendations as appropriate. Direct the preparation and presentation of court cases involving exemption disputes. Serve as an expert witness for exemption disputes. Periodically review existing exemptions to verify exempt status. Review legislation related to property tax and exemption issues. Work with WAAO and other organizations to appear before legislative committees testifying on property tax and exemption issues.

Participate in the overall management of the City Assessor's Office. Analyze workload and recommend preliminary budgets. Prepare and/or review various reports and studies relative to office operations. Represent the City Assessor in various meetings with the general public, taxpayer associations, real estate groups, business groups, neighborhood groups, etc. Provide for the continuity of office operations during the absence of the City Assessor by carrying out supervisory and administrative functions as assigned.

Perform related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of relevant property appraisal and assessment principles, practices and techniques and relevant tax laws and rules. Working knowledge of effective managerial and supervisory practices and principles. Working knowledge of standard computer software and its application to business decisions. Ability to develop and implement effective valuation and assessment techniques and practices. Ability to plan, direct, prioritize and evaluate the work of property appraisal staff and to administer the ongoing appraisal and assessment of City-wide commercial, agricultural and personal property. Ability to organize, oversee and conduct related economic research and data collection to determine valuation trends and methodologies. Ability to conduct and/or review the most complex commercial property appraisals. Ability to effectively supervise and train Appraisers. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to analyze complex valuation problems and recommend logical and practical solutions. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Training and Experience:

Two years of directly related experience in commercial property appraisal and assessment experience comparable to that gained as a Property Appraiser 4 with the City of Madison, which included or was supplemented by considerable staff leadership and program administrative responsibilities. Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Business Administration or a closely related field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to otherwise meet the transportation requirements of the position. Certification by the State of Wisconsin as an Assessor 2 and 3, prior to appointment.

12/2007