To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Michelle Norman, 707-565-2241
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
A) Approve the Appointment of William Severi as a General Member to the Assessment Appeals Board for a term beginning September 1, 2025 and ending on September 4, 2028.
B) Approve the Appointment of Torin Schultz as an Alternate Member to the Assessment Appeals Board for a term beginning September 2, 2024, and ending September 5, 2027.
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Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors are responsible for appointments to over 75 Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s list of Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces.
Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. The current item recommends appointment of William Severi as a General Member and Torin Schultz as an Alternate Member to the Assessment Appeals Board.
Discussion:
The Assessment Appeals Board constitutes the Board of Equalization for Sonoma County and has the power to equalize the valuation of taxable property within the county for the purpose of taxation, as provided by applicable law. The Board consists of three members and three alternates. Appointees must have a minimum of five years professional experience in this state as one of the following: certified public accountant or public accountant, licensed real estate broker, attorney, property appraiser accredited by a nationally recognized professional organization, or a property appraiser certified by the Office of Real Estate Appraisers, or a property appraiser certified by the State Board of Equalization. Appointment terms are for three years, beginning the first Monday in September of term year start.
The Assessment Appeals Board supports a critical role in resolving valuation disputes between property owners and the Assessors’ Office. When an appeals Board is not appointed, or does not have quorum, the Board of Supervisors shall serve as the County Board of Equalization. The Assessment Appeals Board has a General Member unscheduled vacancy for the term of September 1, 2025, through September 4, 2028, as Ross Liscum resigned on December 8, 2025 from the Assessment Appeals Board. Approval of this item will fill the General Member unscheduled vacancy beginning April 14, 2026, ending September 4, 2028.
William Severi has been serving as a member of the Sonoma County Assessment Appeals Board since June 2006. This items seeks appointment of William Severi as General Member, changing his position from the prior role of Alternate Member.
The Assessment Appeals Board has an Alternate Member unscheduled vacancy for the term of September 2, 2024 through September 5, 2027, as William Severi will transition from Alternate Member to General Member. The appointment of Torin Schultz would fill the unscheduled vacancy. Approval of this item will fill the Alternate Member unscheduled vacancy beginning April 14, 2026, ending September 5, 2027.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Torin Schultz has experience working within the Sonoma County real estate market in various capacities. Torin is licensed as a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser through the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers effective June 21, 2018 and is an Accredited Green Appraiser. Torin has served on the Corporate Board of the Real Estate Appraisers Association and as a board member and financial manager for St. Vincent CYO.
Strategic Plan:
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Prior Board Actions:
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Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Recommended Application
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: