County introduces system to aid tax appraisers
The Cache County, Utah, assessors learned that age is not an appealing quality in technology when they faced an outdated and non-Y2K-compliant system two years ago. Looking to modernize its operations, the department decided to update its software to include an electronic property cards system along with a GIS that would help appraisers quickly determine land values. The county also upgraded the tax-roll system and integrated it with the GIS and electronic property cards to provide a unified system.
The Administrative County Tax (ACT) system — a comprehensive county tax-roll system that operates within a GIS map-based environment — provided the county’s answer. Developed by InGeo Systems, North Logan, Utah, it consists of four modules tailored to the specific needs of the Recorder, Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer offices.
Additionally, features such as searching and reporting are accessible from any office. GIS integration allows in-office users to search for and update maps, and locate properties on a map and connect them to the database, according to Cache County Recorder Mike Gleed. Field users can view a map-based field appraisal extension to more accurately determine property location and values. That extension also will allow appraisers to collect data, including digital photographs and building sketches, while in the field.
As part of the upgrade, the county is eliminating paper throughout the office. “We’ll be doing away with the paper property cards,” explains Cache County Assessor Kathleen Howell. “Right now, we have about 35,000 parcels. It will be a big benefit to have all of them on the computer.”
Cache County began using the completed ACT system in August 1999. More recently, the county started publishing property and tax-roll records on the Internet at www.landlight.com. Visitors can view parcel abstracts, official records and tax information. An additional site that will provide the public with free limited access to county information is now being developed. That will allow county officials to spend less time answering telephones and replying to customers requesting information.