Idaho Association of County Assessors Holds 111th Annual Conference

By Justin Baldwin, Gooding County Assessor

Assessors from across the state of Idaho gathered among the pine-shrouded hills of Kellogg for the 111th annual conference of the Idaho Association of County Assessors (IACA).

Shoshone County Assessor Jerry White welcomed the attendees to his county. He explained, the county was formed in 1861 and the main industries are timber and mining. “When you look outside, you can really see how important timber is to us,” said White.

After a thrilling ride to the top of the mountain on the world’s longest gondola, the assessors elected a new executive committee with Adams County Assessor Stacy Swift as president, Gooding County Assessor Justin Baldwin as vice president, Canyon County Assessor Brian Stender as secretary, Gem County Assessor Hollie Ann Strang as treasurer, and Jefferson County Assessor Jessica Roach serving as historian. Custer County Assessor Jacquel Bruno will now move to immediate past president.

The assessors discussed potential legislation for the upcoming legislative session, the new conversion of the property tax reduction system, the brand-new homeowners roll, the rules making process, titling and registration issues, and they examined some of the best practices for the upcoming assessment year.

A few years ago, the assessors created an assessor’s service award, to be awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond in assisting the assessors’ organization. This year the award was given to Janet James, technical support bureau chief for the State Tax Commission, for her 35 years of service in keeping the state’s tax valuation and collection software running.

See and download photos from the event on our Flickr page.