June 24, 2008

Weitzman testifies before Gov’t Services Committee in support of proposal to appoint County assessor

Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman testified before the Legislature’s Government Services Committee in support of proposed legislation that would make the county tax assessor an appointed position, instead of an elected one. The legislation is sponsored by Government Services Chair Legislator Wayne Wink (D-Roslyn). The measure was approved by the committee members and will go before the full legislature in August.

“Since the County has followed the court order and Office of Real Estate Services recommended practices to reassess on a yearly basis, the position of assessor has become a highly technical one,” said Weitzman. “There is no need to elect people who carry out administrative functions, non-policymaking offices demand specific skills that would be better handled through an appointive process.”

In April the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness recommended the conversion of the office of assessor to appointed, as well as the offices of town highway superintendent, town clerk, town tax receiver and collector, and county coroners. Comptroller Weitzman was a member of the Commission and supports the measure proposed by Legislator Wink.

If the referendum is approved by voters, the County Executive would then have the ability to appoint an assessor with the concurrence of the legislature.

“I do support the establishment of minimum qualifications for the assessor’s position, if the referendum is approved by voters,” said Weitzman. Currently, the Office of Real Property Services lists “minimum qualification standards for appointed assessors” which include, educational requirements, certification by the State Board as a candidate for assessor, basic course of training and continuing education requirements.

Nassau County is the largest assessment unit outside of New York City, and one of only two Counties in the state that has an assessor. We are the ONLY County in New York to have an elected Assessor. A 1986 state law Legislation requires assessors to meet certain minimum qualifications standards, which included training, continuing education, and state board certification.