In this episode, Ron Dean, Muscogee County Assessor, discusses his role and responsibilities, including overseeing the valuation of 49,000 real properties and all business personal property in a county of 69,000 residents. His team of 14 conducts visual inspections every four years on 13,000 parcels annually, with additional inspections for changes or deed transfers. They aim to reflect market values by February and mail notices to property owners. Dean emphasizes the importance of accurate valuation methods, such as sales data for residential properties and cost approaches for commercial properties. He also highlights the challenges of business personal property reporting and the benefits of early tax statement mailing, which Muscogee County has achieved for the past six years.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background (0:01)
• Current Challenges and Opportunities (1:20)
• Field Work and Team Dynamics (5:41)
• Valuation Methodologies and Market Data (9:00)
• Business Personal Property and Legislative Changes (12:30)
• Energy and Mineral Extraction (15:33)
• Coordination and Budget Processes (19:53)
• New Technology and Public Engagement (23:30)
• Support from County Commissioners (27:00)
• Advice for New Assessors (29:39)
• Leadership and Association Involvement (31:34)
• Final Thoughts and Future Goals (35:14)

In this episode, Joe McClour, the assessor of Atoka County since 2018, discusses his transition from GIS mapping to the assessor's office, highlighting challenges like retraining a new staff and adapting to software changes. He emphasizes the importance of hiring smart, team-oriented individuals and the necessity of careful hiring to minimize retraining and firing. McClour detailed the evolution of digital mapping in his office, noting a significant increase in public demand for accessible property data. He also addressed the impact of new developments, such as a $35 million crypto mining facility, on local tax rolls. Additionally, McClour expressed a passion for helping disabled veterans and the need for more affordable housing.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background of Joe McClour (0:02)
• Hiring and Training Challenges (2:27)
• Transition to Digital Mapping (4:30)

• Role of the Oklahoma Assessors Association (10:20)
• Public Perception and Veteran Exemptions (14:54)
• Impact of Crypto Mining and Market Trends (15:45)
• Election Experience and Public Notices (17:27)
• Affordable Housing and Market Dynamics (23:37)
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans (28:44)

In this episode, Mike Twitty, a former commercial appraiser, discusses his transition to becoming a Property Appraiser in Florida, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for efficiency. His county, the second smallest in land mass but sixth in population density, faces unique challenges, including high property density and diverse development. Twitty highlights the impact of new condominium inspection laws and the need for transparency in flood insurance policies. He also addresses the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff post-COVID, noting a 6% turnover rate after salary adjustments. Twitty advocates for appraisers to consider public office for broader community impact.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background of Mike Twitty 0:01
• Transition to Public Sector and Technology Integration 2:16
• Unique Features of Mike's County 3:40
• Challenges and Efficiencies in Managing Multiple Offices 6:11
• Recruiting and Retention Challenges Post-COVID 7:41
• Impact of Legislation on Property Values 10:58
• Flood Insurance and Policy Changes 16:09
• Affordability and Housing Market Dynamics 22:41
• Transition to Public Office and Campaign Experience 26:26
• Advice for Fee Appraisers Considering Public Office 30:54