Early in my campaign, I made it known both verbally and in writing that one of the characteristics of my campaign platform was to, in an effort to be a true advocate for the taxpayer, look for ways that the county could save money in cost cutting ideas. From fleet management to inter office cooperation, I would look at the Assessor Recorder office in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness..from the taxpayer and business owner point of view. I was ridiculed, being told that was not in the job description of the Assessor Recorder. Obviously, I disagreed. Today, the Sheriff made public a concept of joining with Redding Police as a way of cost cutting....exactly what I was saying, in terms of looking "outside the box" in these difficult times. The following is what appeared in the Record Searchlight today...so maybe we should all in county government think of new and innovative ways "to do business".
Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko has asked top Redding officials to consider the idea of forming a metropolitan police department, multiple sources confirm.
The proposal surfaces less than a week after Redding Police Chief Peter Hansen announced he'll step down by the end of this year.
The city and county would look for ways to save money through combining elements of law enforcement to eliminate duplication of services, these sources say.
Larry Lees, Shasta County administrator, confirmed Friday afternoon that he's had brief conversations with Bosenko about proposing the idea of a metropolitan police department to Redding officials.
"(Bosenko) just mentioned it to me in passing, since we're always looking for opportunities to save money," Lees said. "He did not say whether he was for it or against it, but just wondering if he should bring it up. I don't think it's gone anywhere yet."
Bosenko has cited the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a possible money-saving model for Shasta County, Lees and other sources have said.
The Clark County sheriff is the top law enforcement officer in the city of Las Vegas and the unincorporated county under the metropolitan department, created in 1973.
Bosenko, Hansen and City Manager Kurt Starman did not immediately return phone calls Friday seeking comment.
The Redding Police Department and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office have seen drastic budget cuts and layoffs during the past two years as the worst recession in generations grinds on.
Since early 2008, the police department has eliminated its roster of community service officers and has suspended its DUI enforcement program and its neighborhood policing programs.
Twenty-five people have left the department through layoffs or attrition, and Redding police expect to lose 18 more by the end of the year.
The sheriff's office has closed a floor of the Shasta County jail, shuttered Crystal Creek Boys Camp and curtailed its work-release program, among other cuts. Sheriff's deputies - who already earn 20 percent less than Redding police officers on average - this year agreed to pick up 9 percent of their pension costs over time.
Redding police officers and Shasta County sheriff's deputies often work together. But the differences between the two agencies are fairly deep, starting with jurisdiction.
Redding police enforce the law within the limits of the city and work mainly in an urban or suburban environment. The sheriff's office patrols the unincorporated county - a mostly rural and rugged area substantially larger than the state of Delaware - along with the city of Shasta Lake, which is every bit as densely built as Redding.
It's not uncommon for sheriff's departments to provide police services to cities in California. Yucaipa, a fast-growing Southern California city of 57,000 people, contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement within the city limits.
There is more to this story, which you can read in detail at www.redding.com ...but my point is made. As elected officers representing the taxpayer, we must be creative, and it takes a leader, like Tom Bosenko, and like I will be...to make these kind of recommendations. No more "same ol' stuff" when I am elected Shasta County Assessor Recorder on June 8th.
www.largent2010.com
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Housing in Redding CA
About a month ago, as part of my campaign for Shasta County Assessor Recorder, I met for my Editorial Interview with the Record Searchlight paper. As part of my prepared notes for the interview, I made it very clear that we are still in a downturn, and that County offices are going to find that the property tax revenue to the County was going to continue to go down in the next few years. Those of us in the real estate business are well aware of the fact that bank owned properties are increasing, causing home values to fall...which translates to lower comp appraisals...and lower home values.
This week, my prediction, which was treated very "unlikely" then, is coming true. The following is the essence of what was on the front page of the Record Searchlight this week:
Year-over-year home values in the greater Redding area fell for the 13th straight quarter, according to federal figures released Tuesday.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency all-transaction house price index showed that values in the region that includes Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake dropped 12.82 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same three-month period a year ago.
Values in Redding in the first quarter fell 4.1 percent compared with the previous quarter, and have plunged 16.17 percent over the last five years.
Nationally, home values fell 6.8 percent in the first quarter over the same quarter in 2009, and 1.6 percent compared with the previous quarter, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said.
The index gives estimates for 301 housing markets, tracking data from mortgages used for both home purchases and refinances. Because the source data is different, it provides a similar but distinct picture compared to that offered in the figures from MDA DataQuick.
The Kennewick-Pasco-Richland area of eastern Washington, where home values went up 2.08 percent, topped the nation in appreciation in the first quarter of 2010.
Bend, Ore., held the dubious honor as the fastest-depreciating community as values in central Oregon plummeted 23.03 percent in the first quarter. It was the second consecutive quarter Bend topped the federal index in depreciation.
Year-over-year values in Redding started falling in the first quarter of 2007, when they slipped 1.58 percent, and have declined every quarter since, according to the federal index.
The median sales price for a home in Shasta County in April was $165,000, the sixth straight monthly decline, according to MDA DataQuick.
Redding experienced its greatest annual depreciation in the federal index during the fourth quarter of 2008, when values dropped 14.62 percent.
Foreclosures will continue to put downward pressure on real estate values, Redding realtor Curt Largent said during his weekly radio program last Saturday.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's quarterly index cast the national spotlight on Redding seven years ago as the fastest-appreciating housing market in the nation. Prices in Redding during the first quarter of 2003 jumped 16.3 percent.
Year-over-year appreciation in Redding peaked during the third quarter of 2004 when the federal index reported prices jumped 26 percent.
But in a sign of how crazy the U.S. market was in 2004, Redding couldn't even crack the top 10 with that 26-percent leap. Redding was the 15th fastest-appreciating market that quarter.
Las Vegas (42 percent) ranked first in appreciation in the fall of 2004.
By contrast, values in Las Vegas dived 18.99 percent in the latest index, ranking the gambling capital as the fourth fastest depreciating market in the nation.
So, this said, we are in for a number of years of this market, exactly as I predicted. OVER ASSESSED IS OVER TAXED. Call it what you want, and this is why I am running for office.
www.largent2010.com
This week, my prediction, which was treated very "unlikely" then, is coming true. The following is the essence of what was on the front page of the Record Searchlight this week:
Year-over-year home values in the greater Redding area fell for the 13th straight quarter, according to federal figures released Tuesday.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency all-transaction house price index showed that values in the region that includes Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake dropped 12.82 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same three-month period a year ago.
Values in Redding in the first quarter fell 4.1 percent compared with the previous quarter, and have plunged 16.17 percent over the last five years.
Nationally, home values fell 6.8 percent in the first quarter over the same quarter in 2009, and 1.6 percent compared with the previous quarter, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said.
The index gives estimates for 301 housing markets, tracking data from mortgages used for both home purchases and refinances. Because the source data is different, it provides a similar but distinct picture compared to that offered in the figures from MDA DataQuick.
The Kennewick-Pasco-Richland area of eastern Washington, where home values went up 2.08 percent, topped the nation in appreciation in the first quarter of 2010.
Bend, Ore., held the dubious honor as the fastest-depreciating community as values in central Oregon plummeted 23.03 percent in the first quarter. It was the second consecutive quarter Bend topped the federal index in depreciation.
Year-over-year values in Redding started falling in the first quarter of 2007, when they slipped 1.58 percent, and have declined every quarter since, according to the federal index.
The median sales price for a home in Shasta County in April was $165,000, the sixth straight monthly decline, according to MDA DataQuick.
Redding experienced its greatest annual depreciation in the federal index during the fourth quarter of 2008, when values dropped 14.62 percent.
Foreclosures will continue to put downward pressure on real estate values, Redding realtor Curt Largent said during his weekly radio program last Saturday.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's quarterly index cast the national spotlight on Redding seven years ago as the fastest-appreciating housing market in the nation. Prices in Redding during the first quarter of 2003 jumped 16.3 percent.
Year-over-year appreciation in Redding peaked during the third quarter of 2004 when the federal index reported prices jumped 26 percent.
But in a sign of how crazy the U.S. market was in 2004, Redding couldn't even crack the top 10 with that 26-percent leap. Redding was the 15th fastest-appreciating market that quarter.
Las Vegas (42 percent) ranked first in appreciation in the fall of 2004.
By contrast, values in Las Vegas dived 18.99 percent in the latest index, ranking the gambling capital as the fourth fastest depreciating market in the nation.
So, this said, we are in for a number of years of this market, exactly as I predicted. OVER ASSESSED IS OVER TAXED. Call it what you want, and this is why I am running for office.
www.largent2010.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Flags in Redding, CA
Last Tuesday our campaign team started putting small American flags on each of our larger signs in the Redding area as our tribute to Memorial Day….being a little creative to call attention to the fact that many have died for our country over the years to keep us a free nation.
Today, my opponent for the position of Shasta County Assessor Recorder in the June 8th election, “followed the leader” and started putting out their flags on their signs….and we appreciate their efforts to also call attention to this great national holiday.
Hopefully, all that see the flags will remember those that went before us…as this is our effort to recognize not only those that are gone, but also to recognize all of the veterans and active duty military that are in various locations throughout the world serving their country. And, from one veteran to another, thanks for your great service.
Happy Memorial Day weekend to all….and don’t forget to vote on June 8th.
www.largent2010.com
“Proven leadership in business and management…the right choice for voters for Shasta County Assessor Recorder”
Today, my opponent for the position of Shasta County Assessor Recorder in the June 8th election, “followed the leader” and started putting out their flags on their signs….and we appreciate their efforts to also call attention to this great national holiday.
Hopefully, all that see the flags will remember those that went before us…as this is our effort to recognize not only those that are gone, but also to recognize all of the veterans and active duty military that are in various locations throughout the world serving their country. And, from one veteran to another, thanks for your great service.
Happy Memorial Day weekend to all….and don’t forget to vote on June 8th.
www.largent2010.com
“Proven leadership in business and management…the right choice for voters for Shasta County Assessor Recorder”
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
More on the Assessors Job...
As I talk with folks about my campaign for County Assessor…the question keeps coming up….what does the Assessor do. So, I went to the County web page…and here is the “official version”, which answers some of the questions.
The Assessor produces an assessment roll that reflects the taxable values of land, improvements, and personal property listed by the Assessor’s parcel numbering system or the account numbering system.
In addition to the taxable value, the roll must also indicate the current status of ownership, the owner’s mailing address, and the existence of any exemptions as of the January 1st lien date. To accomplish this, the Assessor must discover, classify, and appraise all locally assessable property according to constitutional, statutory, and administrative requirements.
In addition to preparing the annual local assessment roll pursuant to Sec. 601 of the Calif. Revenue & Taxation Code, the Assessor must also produce the Supplemental Assessment Roll as provided in Section 75 through 75.8 of the Revenue & Taxation Code. (Sounds pretty technical)
Kind of says it all, and makes sense. As I continue my “asking questions” and then “getting questions”…this is a good answer.
Ron Largent, Candidate for Shasta County Assessor in 2010.
The Assessor produces an assessment roll that reflects the taxable values of land, improvements, and personal property listed by the Assessor’s parcel numbering system or the account numbering system.
In addition to the taxable value, the roll must also indicate the current status of ownership, the owner’s mailing address, and the existence of any exemptions as of the January 1st lien date. To accomplish this, the Assessor must discover, classify, and appraise all locally assessable property according to constitutional, statutory, and administrative requirements.
In addition to preparing the annual local assessment roll pursuant to Sec. 601 of the Calif. Revenue & Taxation Code, the Assessor must also produce the Supplemental Assessment Roll as provided in Section 75 through 75.8 of the Revenue & Taxation Code. (Sounds pretty technical)
Kind of says it all, and makes sense. As I continue my “asking questions” and then “getting questions”…this is a good answer.
Ron Largent, Candidate for Shasta County Assessor in 2010.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
What is an Assessor in Shasta County?
What is an Assessor?
Over the past few weeks as I have started my campaigning for the Shasta County Assessors position, I have been asked the question: "What is an Assessor?" So, here is the answer:
What is an Assessor?
A County Assessor is the one all-county elected official that establishes the assessed value of all property in Shasta County by appraising that property under applicable State laws. This assessed value is then placed on a list with all other properties in Shasta County and this list is called the “Assessment Roll”. The Assessor also approves and applies all exemptions, which are added to the Assessment Roll.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Assessor?
- To locate and inventory all taxable property in the County and identify ownership;
- To establish a taxable value for all property subject to property taxation
- To enroll the property to the Assessment Roll showing the assessed value;
- To apply all legal exemptions.
- In summary, the primary responsibility is to annually determine the proper taxable value for each property so that the owner is assured of paying the correct amount of property tax for the support of local government.
Why does the Assessor do this?
- State law mandates that all property is subject to taxation unless otherwise exempted.
- Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. Property tax bills will show land and improvements values on the land.
- Improvements include all assessable buildings and structures on the land.
- These property taxes then support necessary services provided to the residents of Shasta County, such as the Sheriff and Law Enforcement, fire protection, education, parks and recreation, and other vital services.
- In general, properties that are owned and used by educational, charitable, religious or government organization may be exempt from certain property taxes.
How does Proposition 13 apply to the above?
- Created in 1978, which substantially reduced property tax rates.
- The Proposition established that the maximum levy the government can apply cannot exceed 1% of a property’s assessed value. Increases in assessed value are limited to 2% annually.
- A reappraisal can be caused by four events: a change in ownership; completed new construction; new construction partially completed, and a decline in value, as in market value decline, which is presently the case.
Can any of the above be changed?
"Yes, by a vote of the people to amend the state constitution."
And, all of the registered voters in Shasta County, if they choose, can Vote for Ron Largent for County Assessor...it is your way to become involved for a "New Look in Government in Shasta County".
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Am Running for Shasta County Assessor in 2010
Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor in 2010.
After many years of dealing with both City and County government both on real estate matters and on other matters of great importance to the general public, I have decided to run for a Shasta County elected office...that of County Assessor in 2010..
One of the concerns of all of us is the subject of taxes, and the threat to raise taxes to an unacceptable level. My commitment is that we must strive diligently to lower taxes, and this will be at the foundation of my campaign.
In that we will not officially file with the county to run for this position until February 15, 2010, I am interested, in the meantime, in talking with citizens that share my viewpoint and concerns. Please e-mail me at ronlargent@shasta.com or call me at 530-248-5601. I would be privileged to talk with you about how we, together, can work to keep taxes in a fair and equitable position with all of the citizenry.
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