This news item expired on Thursday, September 3, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
The County’s Tax Assessment Office has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration (CEAA) award from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). Since 2004, only 44 jurisdictions of the approximate 13,000 nationwide jurisdictions, and only two other North Carolina jurisdictions (Mecklenburg & Carteret) have completed the stringent requirements needed to earn this professional distinction. “This validates our dedication to improving the service we provide to the citizens of Buncombe County. The certification lets County residents know we adhere to the best appraisal and assessment practices in the industry,” notes Tax Assessor Keith Miller.
In short, this certification recognizes the County’s dedication to an assessment process that utilizes best practices to ensure equitable outcomes concerning the value of property countywide. Some of the metrics the IAAO required to be submitted for review include: efficiencies in business processes, internal auditing processes, benchmarks for improvements, technology, staff experience, education, minimal standards for appraisal analysis, and more.
Property Appraiser III Joseph Turner tackled the submission process. “The certification required us to evaluate over 140 questions presented by the IAAO,” says Turner. “Each question required a narrative response with supporting documentation, and every member of the assessment team was involved at some point.”
The IAAO judging committee noted: “It is evident that the Buncombe County Assessor’s Office is committed to excellence in appraisal and assessment activities, as well as a very high level of customer service and an exemplary public image.”
Buncombe County residents can feel assured they are dealing with professionals held to the highest standards. “Every member of our team is proud to have achieved this designation and sees this as a demonstration of our continued commitment to gaining public trust,” states Miller. Achievement of this recognition, and maintaining this certification, requires the jurisdiction be in continued compliance with the IAAO Code of Ethics and Standard of Profession Practice.
More about IAAO:
The IAAO is a nonprofit, educational, and research association. It is a professional membership organization of government assessment officials and others interested in the administration of the property tax. IAAO was founded in 1934, and now has a membership of more than 7,000 members worldwide from governmental, business, and academic communities.