2019.12.09 Council Agenda Item 7
Summary
Discussion regarding contracting with Vision Government Solutions to conduct a property assessment market analysis in advance of the town-wide property revaluation or proceed with the revaluation without an advance market analysis.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
At the July 22, 2019 Town Council Meeting, the Town Manager and Assessor delivered a presentation to consider a town wide property revaluation.
The Town Council agreed to proceed with issuing an RFP to conduct a town wide revaluation. That RFP was issued on August 5 and three proposals were received on October 3. A staff team consisting of the Finance Director, Town Manager, Assessor, and Assistant Assessor interviewed all three companies that submitted a proposal, on October 30. They concluded that Vision Government Solutions should be awarded the contract. The cost of a full revaluation project using Vision Government Solutions would cost $239,000.
The staff review team also discussed what they heard in the interviews about market conditions and that conditions could change with a presidential election and possible changes in the economy. The staff review team agreed that it is impossible to accurately predict changes in the market but it is possible to conduct an initial market analysis to that would provide advanced information about the valuation of different real estate segments in Falmouth. Such an analysis would be costly and the Council asked that staff find out if our preferred consultant could perform an initial market analysis and if the costs could be off-set with a subsequent revaluation project.
Vision Government Solutions has responded to the Town Council's request with the attached letter (see link below). Vision Government Solutions will be present at the meeting to answer any questions from the Town Council.
At this time, the Town Council will need to determine whether to obtain advanced information with an initial market analysis and/or whether to stay on schedule with a full revaluation project to conclude in 2021 or defer one year to 2022. Town Council guidance will determine whether an order for an appropriation is necessary at a future meeting. Vision Government Solutions has indicated that decision must be made soon if a full revaluation is preferred and to be completed in 2021. The Town Council will need to make this decision by their January 13, 2020 meeting. Public input has not yet been requested but will be encouraged at the January 13 meeting if action is a consideration at that meeting. Until then, public input is encouraged via email or direct communication with any Town Councilor or staff.
