To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: M. Christina Rivera 707-565-2431
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Approve the Reappointment of Jim Brush and Ross Liscum as General Members and Michael Bucchianeri as an Alternate Member of the Assessment Appeals Board for a term of three years beginning September 1, 2025, and ending September 4, 2028. (Countywide)
end
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 website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
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 reappointment of Jim Brush as a General Member, Ross Liscum as a General Member, and Michael Bucchianeri 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 with 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 but the State Board of Equalization. Per Government Code Section 1623 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, Assessment Appeals Board member’s term shall begin on the first Monday of September for a term of three years.
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.
• Jim Brush has been serving on the Sonoma County Assessment Appeals Board since 2006, serving as an Alternate Member through 2007 when he was reappointed to a General Member seat.
• Ross Liscum has served on the Assessment Appeals Board since 2009, serving as an Alternate Member through 2024 when he was reappointed as a General Member of the board.
• Michael Bucchianeri has served as an Alternate Member of the Assessment Appeals Board since his appointment in 2022.
Staff recommends reappointing the existing members as they are in good standing having shown dedication to the work and purpose of the Board. Jim, Ross, and Michael are willing and qualified to continue their service and meet the increased demands of their positions.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
Jim (James) Brush
Reappointed 10/18/2022 Agenda Item # 21
Reappointed 9/24/2019 Agenda Item # 24
Reappointed 12/06/2016 Agenda Item # 21
Reappointed 9/10/2013 Agenda Item # 34
Reappointed 8/24/2010 Agenda Item # 10-0633
Appointed (as General Member) 9/11/2007 Agenda Item # 07-0763
Appointed (as Alternate Member) 6/13/2006 Agenda Item # 06-0569
Michael Bucchianeri
Appointed 5/09/2023 Agenda Item # 57
Ross Liscum
Appointed (as General Member) 5/14/2024 Agenda Item # 33
Reappointed (as Alternate Member) 9/21/2021 Agenda Item # 10
Reappointed (as Alternate Member) 9/11/2018 Agenda Item # 43
Reappointed (as Alternate Member) 7/28/2015 Agenda Item # 37
Reappointed (as Alternate Member) 7/31/2012 Agenda Item # 19
Appointed (as Alternate Member) 6/23/2009 Agenda Item # 09-0609
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
N/A
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: