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2017 Tax Board of Review Annual Report 4 <br /> 4. The presence of Corporation Counsel at each meeting/hearing has proven itself to be <br /> essential and is recommended to continue. The Board has relied upon Corporation <br /> Counsel in many instances for clarification and interpretation of rules and/or laws. <br /> 5. The Board recommends that the statewide conference be continued and that <br /> attendance by the Board and support staff be funded because of its multiple benefits. <br /> 6. The Board recommends that they be accompanied by both Corporation Counsel and <br /> the Board Clerk to all conferences, workshops, meetings and other related matters. <br /> 7. The Board appreciates the impromptu training sessions conducted by Corporation <br /> Counsel and the Real Property Tax division. These sessions provided the Board with. <br /> information and insight on various issues, topics, programs, etc. <br /> The Board recommends that these training sessions continue to be offered. <br /> 8. The Board recommends that additional one-on-one training be provided by the division <br /> and Corporation Counsel for the newest appointed member. This training session <br /> should include basic information on programs, appeal procedures and the <br /> specifications of their role as a member. <br /> 9. The public has a misconception that the Real Property Tax division sets the tax rates <br /> and the Board recommends that the County continue to provide outreach interaction to <br /> dispel this. <br /> 10. The Board commends the division for their effort to review the enforcement of the <br /> exemption program by expanding their options to verify the claimant's eligibility and to <br /> understand the owner's possible financial consequences of the disallowance of an <br /> exemption, especially one in the homeowner's classification with the three percent <br /> (3%) growth cap. <br /> 11. The Board commends the division for their effort to enforce both the exemption and <br /> agricultural use programs as recommended in the 2012 IAAO audit. <br /> 12. The Board appreciates the effort by the appraisal staff in settling a number of appeals <br /> which reduced the hearing time of each scheduled day. It is recommended that each <br /> of the settlements be reviewed for next year's assessment to determine what effect, if <br /> any, the settlement has to similar properties within the appealed parcel's <br /> neighborhood. <br /> 13. On the proposed settlement letters between the division and the taxpayers, the Board <br /> recommends that the land classification also be included along with the settlement <br /> values and exemptions. <br />