MAA President's Message
It's April . . .
which means we can breathe a sigh of relief now that our "busy season" is over - I'm trusting that your Boards of Review went well and your rolls all balance! This is the time, like many of us, when I clean my office - to get ready to start the assessing process for 2019. I like to start by reviewing who came into the BOR - to see if there is an easily identified problem that can be worked on this year, determine which parcels should be reviewing this year - including sales and building permits and generally getting myself organized. This is the easy part of the job but it is also VERY important.
Another critical task that we as Michigan assessors should do is stay in touch with others in our profession. Attending classes and other functions specifically tailored for assessors is a vital step in assuring you have all the resources you need. Get to know those in areas that surround your jurisdiction, as well as those who have similar locations, so you have someone to go to if something unusual arises. Our colleagues are invaluable - let them help you. If there is one thing I've learned in this profession it's that our fellow assessors are always willing to share what they know. One sure way to meet them is to sign up for MAA classes. The Education Committee in finalizing the schedule of classes for this year's summer and fall sessions so you can plan when and where the classes you are interested in are offered.
A few things I'd like to mention from the February MAA meeting: 1) STC Executive Director Frick reported that the STC adopted the CAMA Standards 2.0 document as requested by the MAA and MAED. However, the decision to form a Committee for keeping the document updated was delayed until August, 2018; 2) Beginning in April, the MAA Executive Board agendas will be posted on our website - this will allow you to see what will be discussed at our meetings and provide the opportunity to comment or attend if there is something that interests you - the MAA Board wants your input so don't hesitate to speak up; and 3) Standards Committee Chair, Tony Meyaard, is beginning to work on a document repository for assessors - it will give MAA members access to sample documents and resolutions that may be needed for the AMAR and other requirements.
This year's conference planning is gearing up and the Conference Committee is working hard to make it the best EVER! I hope you are getting as anxious and excited for it as I am! And as I mentioned in the March issue, the room block is open for the 2018 Annual Conference, August 12-15, 2018, at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City!!! For reservations, call (231)946-5000 (do NOT use the toll-free number) and tell them you are with the Michigan Assessors Association. If you book your room AND register for the conference by June 30th, you will be entered in a drawing for a FREE stay at the Park Place. Registration for the conference will be available on the website soon - stay tuned for more!
As we move from Winter to Spring, from old to new and from finalizing 2018 assessment rolls to preparing for 2019, I hope your seasonal transition is smooth! REMEMBER: If you have comments or concerns about something MAA is or is not doing, contact your district representative or any board member. Your input is imperative to MAA's success - thank you for being a member!
Amy L. DeHaan, President