MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

By Gregory J. Smith

MODERNIZING OBSOLETE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM and CREATING A NEW ELECTRONIC RECORDING SYSTEM

The Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, in conjunction with the Treasurer/Tax Collector and the Auditor/Controller, has begun the design of our new integrated property tax system. Bearing Point was awarded the contract and work began in March 2005. When completed, this new system will dramatically improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the assessment and tax collection process. This major initiative will ensure that we are able to continue providing the revenues necessary to support County programs as well as those of the cities, schools and special districts.

The Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk expects to complete the development of a new system for electronic recording of tax liens and releases in the spring of 2006. This is the precursor to the electronic recording of real estate documents in San Diego County. During 2006, we will work with the Department of Justice and the real estate industry as the Attorney General establishes statewide regulations for electronic recording. Our goal is to provide more timely service to the public and business industry through the digital processing of recorded documents. Electronic recording will permit 1) faster document recording; 2) earlier closing of real estate transactions; 3) sooner notification of buyers, sellers, realtors, escrow officers, title companies and lenders; and 4) quicker distribution of transaction funds.

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM STATE Every four years, the State Board of Equalization conducts an assessment practices survey to ensure that each county in California is complying with the rules and regulations mandated by State law. The survey consists of a review of the office policies and practices, and a sampling of assessment values. The San Diego County Assessors Office had an outstanding survey last year. The survey compliments the office on many of its programs, and especially commends the office for its proactive response to the victims of the three major wildfires. The survey sample of assessment values indicates San Diego's average assessment ration is an outstanding 99.95% This survey confirms that San Diego County property owners are being treated uniformly, with fairness, equity, and integrity in regards to their property tax assessment.