GAINES GAZETTE

April 2024

April Board Actions

During the April Board meeting, state assessees had the opportunity to present on the valuation of state-assessed properties. The Board approved BOE staff’s recommended changes to values of state-assessed properties discovered during audits. Various legislative proposals were discussed for possible action by the Board. The Board received operational updates from the Executive Director, including the BOE Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Report; Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; Property Tax Department Deputy Director; Chief Communications Officer; and the Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

Finally, the Board presented a resolution honoring Dany Lunetta, an analyst in the Assessment Practices Survey Division, who is retiring after 13 years with the BOE.

We are proud as a Board to meet our constitutional duties and remain committed to our mission to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.

BOE Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Report

BOE recently published its Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Report. Below are some of the highlights:

• The report has a statewide map that includes the net-assessed values for both county-assessed and state-assessed property values for all 58 counties, as of the January 1, 2023 lien date. The total assessed value for California is almost $8.3 trillion.

• BOE oversees the assessment practices of the 58 Assessors, and county-assessed properties resulted in $89 billion in property taxes, of which $47.6 billion went to schools and $41.4 billion to local governments. State-assessed properties resulted in an additional $2.3 billion for schools and local communities.

• The report includes the average property tax rate for each of the 58 counties. Proposition 13, approved by voters in 1978, limits the rate to 1% of its assessed value + any locally voter-approved bonded indebtedness. The BOE maintains maps of 9,700+ revenue district boundaries that encompass 61,365 tax rate areas, helping to ensure the proper allocation of local tax revenue to counties, cities, and special tax districts.

• BOE also administers the Private Railroad Car Tax and is responsible for the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers. BOE's critical role supports state and local governments.

Around the First District

I love to get out on the road in the First BOE District and visit some of my Assessors. Thanks to Yolo County Assessor Jessie Salinas and Tehama County Assessor Burley Phillips (photo in front of map) for the great meetings. Both Assessors and their teams are providing top notch services to property owners!

Survey Shows California Taxpayers Receive Worst ROI

As we know, tax rates vary greatly from state to state. Living in a high tax state does not necessarily mean you get high quality services. The personal-finance website WalletHub just released its 2024 report on states with the best and worst taxpayer return on investment (ROI). Can you guess the state where taxpayers pay the most and get the least? California.

To rank the taxpayer ROI, WalletHub contrasted state and local tax collections with the quality of government services – including education, public health, safety, economy, and infrastructure – residents receive in each of the 50 states. 

Click here to learn more about the survey and see which state gives the best return on taxpayer investment.

Law Enforcement at its Finest

I recently presented a certificate to Amador County CHP Officer Ryan Johnson in recognition of his remarkable service, dedication, and high standard of excellence in the field of public safety on behalf of the people of California. 

Officer Johnson recently went above and beyond to help a family who had gotten stuck in a tight spot on an unknown, rural road, during a winter storm. He showed the highest degree of professionalism, courtesy, and competence.

California’s men and women in law enforcement deserve our utmost praise for all the big and small ways they protect our communities.

Keep up the great work, Officer Johnson!

As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone working on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.

Should you need assistance with tax-related problems or have questions, visit my website for information on how to contact my office or email me directly anytime.

Monthly Board Meeting: May 29-30, 2024