After budget actions affected the county costs for supporting the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, a new set of revised costs have been prepared – totaling nearly $22 million. The revision, assembled by the Department of Legislative Services, should help guide counties who are amidst their own budget processes in the weeks ahead.

View the revised county-by-county cost estimates from DLS.

The system of invoicing county governments for assessment and related function for this state department arose during the “great recession,” as the state faced severe budgetary shortfalls. For two years, counties were billed for 90% of these costs – that was reduced to 50%, but has remained at that level since, even as the state fiscal crises have abated.

The change in the figures (from the budget as submitted by the Governor) was due to the General Assembly’s rejection of proposed funds (and authorizing legislation) for aerial assessment technology. Those costs would have been shared with counties under the 50% formula.