GAINES GAZETTE

October 2022

October Board Actions

During the October Board meeting, we approved eight non-contested petitions involving state assessed properties. The petitions were for Unitary Escaped Land Assessments, Reassessment of Unitary Value, and Penalty Abatement on Unitary/Nonunitary Value. We also received a report on Proposition 19 implementation and outreach, conducted a Board governance review,and heard updates on BOE operations. Finally, we conducted our Annual Board Meeting with the 58 County Assessors.

Annual Meeting with California Assessors 

The BOE held our Annual Meeting with the 58 County Assessors on October 19 in conjunction with the October 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 convened a breakout session with the 30 County Assessors located within my district. We discussed Prop. 19 implementation, remote appeals hearings, assessment backlogs, personnel recruitment and retention, disaster relief, BOE training classes, vessel valuation, 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.

I also had the opportunity to recognize and honor the County Assessors in my district who are retiring this year: Diane Brown (Butte County), Leslie Davis (Calaveras County), Karl Weiland (El Dorado County), Jon Lifquist (Kern County), Brian Glover (Madera County), and Sue Horne (Nevada County). 

Veterans & Active Military Assistance 

Veterans Day on November 11 may be the most important secular holiday we recognize each year. For without the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who protect our country, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that are the hallmark of this great nation. Veterans Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength, courage, and dedication of America’s veterans and military families. I'm especially grateful for my father, who fought in World War II. 

The BOE is committed to working with County Assessors to raise awareness of the Veterans’ Exemption and Disabled Veterans’ Exemption to support veterans, their families, and caregivers to reduce their property tax liability.

While there is no general property tax exclusion for veterans, there are laws that reduce the amount of property tax due for qualified veterans and veterans’ organizations. For more information, please visit my Resources page.

To all of you who served, I salute you and wish God’s blessings upon you.

Taxpayer Hero Award

My latest "Taxpayer Hero Award" recipient is Congressman Tom McClintock! It was my honor to present this award to Tom for his decades of public service advocating for fiscal responsibility and government transparency and fighting against wasteful spending on behalf of California taxpayers. Congratulations Tom!

In the News...

Check out my latest opinion piece discussing the recent analysis showing California's Employment Development Department fraud at more than $32 billion, and those who will end up having to pay for it.

California's General Election is November 8!

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.

Monthly Board Meeting: November 17-18, 2022

Reminder: Property Taxes Due December 10, 2022

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