Supervisors to hear property tax reassessment claims

It's a sign of the times, says a county official, about the increased number of applicants who want the county to reassess the value of their home or business.

This year, there are 14 applicants for equalization, where last year there were only about three or four, County Administrator Robert Pickels said.

Pickels said it's consistent with what they've seen from across the state.

"A lot of people want to challenge the assessed value of their homes or their businesses," Pickels said.

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors will act as the Board of Equalization at its regular meeting Monday. The meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday at 198 S. Main St. The meeting is open to the public.

Also at the meeting, the board will also vote to approve a contract award to Eckard Commercial Construction, of Yuma, to replace the HVAC cooling tower at the Yuma County Administration Building.

The total amount for the contract is $290,509.17.

Pickels said it's always nice to have work go to a local company.

"It's always preferable for the county to award a bid to a local contractor," he said. "It's not always possible because we get a bid that's more financially sound from an outside company, but it's always our preference to go with a local company."

Also on the agenda, the board is expected to vote to approve the reduction of three positions in the Juvenile Court program. The positions, totaling $155,092, include two school probation officer positions and one probation officer position. All three positions are currently vacant, and the move would be to eliminate the positions.

Pickels said bringing the positions back in the future depends on state revenue.

But with current projections indicating the state won't return to revenue levels from last year for another three or four years, it's uncertain when the state will be able to provide additional funds.

The board will also vote to approve the Yuma Private Industry Council (YPIC) to receive $27,500.

Yuma County is the designated pass through for funds going to YPIC, Pickels said. The money, Pickels said, is part of the stimulus package.

According to the agenda, the money will increase the budget authority of the Workforce Investment Act. The board is also expected to set a date and time for a public hearing regarding a proposed sewer project for the B&C Colonia area.

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Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.