LAKE COUNTY VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

AUGUST 7, 2007

The Lake County Value Adjustment Board met for an organizational meeting on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at 8:30 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Debbie Stivender; and Linda Stewart. School Board Members Jimmy Conner and Scott Strong were not present. Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Kimberly Williams, Assistant County Attorney; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

Commr. Hill opened the meeting.

UPDATE BY COUNTY ATTORNEY

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that this year his office was providing some assistance to the Clerk’s Office, with regard to the Value Adjustment Board, because of some unforeseen circumstances. He stated that letters were sent out in June of this year for 161 petitions that were filed for exemptions and classifications that were denied and the petitioners had until July to appeal them. He stated that contracts for the Value Adjustment Board Special Masters, Mr. David Taylor, an MAI Appraiser who will handle the valuation cases, and Mr. Mort Aulls, a local attorney who will handle the exemption and classification cases, were extended and hearings have been scheduled and notices sent out regarding those hearings. He stated that one of his Assistant County Attorneys, Ms. Kimberly Williams, has tried to eliminate some questions and misunderstandings that have arose in the past by preparing a list of frequently asked questions, and she has tried to write it so that citizens will understand the entire process - how the hearings will work and how evidence is presented. He stated that, under the new process, which requires that the County use a Special Master, the Special Master hears the evidence and makes a recommendation to the VAB. Petitioners are allowed to file written objections to that Order, but they cannot reargue it, and then the VAB will hold a meeting and make their final decisions. He stated that he anticipates assessments will be heard in January or February and classifications and exemptions will be heard in November or early December. He stated that the Property Appraiser’s Office is diligently working to try and reduce the number of petitions that will be filed this year.

There being no further business to be brought to the VAB, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.

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JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK