Erie County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz’s recent recommendation of a centralized system to handle property assessments deserves legislative follow-up. There are now 30 municipal government offices doing assessments, and any hint that millions of taxpayer dollars can be saved in a tough regional economy cannot be ignored.

Consolidating assessment operations could trigger efficiencies and gains in expertise to benefit the county as well as taxpayers in those smaller jurisdictions.

There are 30 independent assessing units in this county, among 1,133 such units across the state. California has only 59 statewide. The number of separate assessing units in this county alone suggests overkill, and higher-than-necessary government spending.

The comptroller’s report says it costs $6.5 million annually, not including fringe benefits, to staff and operate 30 independent units. For the most part, those units are overseen by appointed assessors. The report indicates the annual salaries for full-time assessors range from $41,000 in the Town of Boston to $92,000 in the Town of Amherst; both are appointed.

The New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Effectiveness also has examined assessment reform measures to reduce costs. The report determined that a potential county expense for countywide assessment using an outside vendor could be as little as $3.1 million, with significant annual recurring and one-time savings. That might not be the way to go. A county office would offer greater accountability and year-to-year consistency. But change should be considered, and state aid inducements for such restructuring-based savings are available to local governments and to Erie County.

It’s important that assessments be conducted in an efficient manner, especially as the entire county moves closer to full valuation. Critics of consolidation argue that locally based assessors know their neighbors, especially the elderly, and can tell when something’s amiss. But that’s a social service function, not an assessment one that demands property- based valuations to distribute taxes equitably among all owners. And the dark side of that coin is that locally based assessors can be more vulnerable to local pressure.

Unnecessary costs simply add to the tax burden placed on such properties, and also affect homeowners’ ability to pay. The County Legislature, county executive and voters, through a referendum, have the power to create a county office and eliminate the array of independent assessing entities. That should be on the county agenda.

Copyright 2008 - The Buffalo News