Gaines Gazette - News from Ted Gaines, BOE District 1

GAINES GAZETTE

December 2024

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I hope your household is blessed with peace, joy, and the love of family and friends. My favorite part of Christmas is reflecting on the birth of our Savior and all the blessings he has bestowed on us. This year, I count the opportunity to continue serving as your elected taxpayer advocate among my greatest blessings.

On behalf of the entire Gaines family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December Board Actions

The Great Seal of California features the Roman goddess Minerva a grizzly bear feeding on grape vines a sheaf of grain a miner and sailing ships. The state motto Eureka meaning I have found it is written above Minerva.

During the December Board meeting, we conducted a property tax appeal oral hearing; approved the Assessors’ Handbook; heard petitions for reassessment of the 2024 unitary value; voted on the organization of the Board; and took action on Board-sponsored legislative proposals.

We also received operational updates from the Executive Director, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, Property Tax Department Deputy Director, and Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

We are proud 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.

Named BOE 2025 Chairman

At our December Board Meeting, I’m proud to announce that the BOE elected me as Chairman for 2025. I currently serve as Vice Chair, and as Chairman, I will also serve on the three-member Franchise Tax Board.

I am eager to lead a fair, transparent, and accountable Board that shapes state property tax policy. It is an honor, and I am excited to continue serving as a taxpayer advocate, with the Board, County Assessors, and stakeholders across the state. I extend my gratitude to my colleagues for entrusting me with this significant role.

See the press release announcement here.

Around the First District

It was my honor to attend and give the invocation at the farewell party for Jack and Sue Frost. Sue has been a dedicated public servant, fighting the good fight for many years, serving for eight years on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. She was also a former Mayor and City Council member of Citrus Heights. They will both be missed and I wish them the best on the next chapter of their journey in the Ozarks!

I always enjoy making the Christmas party rounds and we have much to celebrate this year! Thanks to the El Dorado County Republican Party for hosting such a fun and festive celebration in my home county. Pictured here with Beth Gaines, Oscar Bejarano, and Verlaine Bejarano.

BOE Informational Resources

The BOE recently issued additional frequently asked questions and answers related to Proposition19 base year value transfers. As always, the latest information on Proposition 19 is available here.

The death of a loved one can be a difficult time. This Information Sheet discusses important things that need to be done in connection with property taxes if the deceased person owned real property in California.

At Your Service

White sign with words Customer Service in red sitting next to a bell with a finger pushing down on the ringer. Picture of Board Member Ted Gaines sitting in a black desk chair wearing a light blue shirt and striped tie.

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.

Mark Your Calendar!

Monthly Board Meeting: January 24, 2025

Visit my website