GAINES GAZETTE

September 2023

Annual Meeting with California Assessors

The BOE held our Annual Meeting with the 58 County Assessors on September 27 in conjunction with the September Board Meeting.

The BOE is required by law to meet with County Assessors at least once a year to discuss issues focused on the administration of property tax assessment and taxation laws and to promote uniformity of property tax procedures throughout the state. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss future challenges and further ways to strengthen the long-standing partnership.

I organized a breakout session with the 34 County Assessors located within my district. We discussed Prop. 19 implementation, appeals hearings, assessment appeals boards and the many challenges counties face with those boards, good things that are happening in Assessor offices, and more. It was helpful to learn about the challenges and opportunities they are facing and how we can work together to provide the best, fairest, most transparent service to the nearly 10 million Californians residing in these counties.

September Board Actions

During the September Board meeting, we reviewed and adopted property tax matters on the nonappearance agenda. We also reviewed Board Member matters and initiatives and heard updates on BOE operations. Finally, we conducted our Annual Board Meeting with the 58 County Assessors.

We are honored as a Board to meet our constitutional duties and remain committed to our mission to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.

In the News...

Check out my latest opinion piece on the need for reform within California’s insurance market.

More Layoffs Coming in Insurance Industry Without Reform

By Ted Gaines

Bakersfield Californian

September 18, 2023

Around the First District

This year, I've been able to get on the road and visit some of my Assessors. Thanks to El Dorado County Assessor Jon DeVille (left) and Placer County Assessor Matt Maynard (right) for the great meetings. Both Assessors and their teams are providing top notch services to property owners! I look forward to doing more Assessor meetings in the months to come. 

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve long supported and encouraged increased awareness of this disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 27,000 men in California will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Fortunately, most cases are caught early and survival rates are high. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a good time for men to talk to their doctor so they can make informed decisions about maintaining the health of their prostate.

For more information and resources, visit the California Prostate Cancer Coalition.

How My Office Can Help You!

I want to highlight a recent call that came into my office to demonstrate how we are able to help with your property tax questions and concerns.

An individual residing in a rural county in my district received a property tax assessment on his boat. He had purchased the boat six years ago for $85,000 and the county determined that the value is now $145,000. The individual believed this assessment was incorrect and wanted to know how the county came up with the increase and what could be done to have the value lowered.

We connected this constituent with the BOE’s Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate (TRA) Office. After providing information about valuation methodologies for boats, the TRA Office reached out to the county Assessor’s office to ask if they could reexamine the assessed value. They reviewed the assessment and determined a reduction in value was in order. The Assessor’s office processed a roll correction, and the county Auditor’s office determined the effect on property taxes and issued a refund of any overpaid taxes.

Please reach out to my office with any property tax issues. We are here tp assist you!

As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone working on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.

Should you need assistance with tax-related problems or have questions, visit my website for information on how to contact my office or email me directly anytime.

Informational Hearing on Modernizing California's Property Tax System Part IV: Board Work Group on Affordable Housing: October 19, 2023

Monthly Board Meeting: October 24-25, 2023

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