County Appraiser Sean Robertson reported during Tuesday's Saline County Commission meeting that his office has received a perfect score of 100 from the Property Valuation Division of the Kansas Department of Revenue.
During his department update to commissioners, Robertson explained that the Property Valuation Division evaluates county appraisers' offices annually on several performance metrics, including accuracy of valuations, documentation of analysis, and meeting statutory deadlines.
"This year is the first year in my tenure, and I believe ever, that we have received a perfect 100 score from Property Valuation Division," Robertson told commissioners.
Robertson also shared that informal valuation hearings have reached a 10-year low, with the number of appeals approximately 44% below the long-term average. Since 2022, the office has maintained a 96% success rate when defending its valuations at the Board of Tax Appeals.
In his update, Robertson noted staffing and operational changes within the department. The office has instituted a career ladder for appraisers to advance based on merit rather than waiting for open positions. Additionally, the appraiser's office has taken over mail duties for county departments.
Robertson reported that his department has been able to reduce staffing levels over time. When he started in the office "nearly a quarter of a century ago," there were 15 full-time and two part-time employees. Currently, the office operates with 13 full-time employees and no part-time staff.
The appraiser also stated that the department's non-salary budget is 25% lower than it was 15 years ago, despite an increase of approximately 1,000 real estate parcels in Saline County over the past five years.
