It was most revealing to hear about the organization and functions of the Board of Assessors of Fulton County from its Chief Appraiser, John Cunningham, who is a native of South Dakota, graduate of Harvard University with a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and 28 years of experience in the Assessment Profession in Sioux Falls and Watertown, South Dakota, Omaha, Nebraska, and Prince William County, Virginia. In regard to organization and functions, Mr. Cunningham noted that the Fulton County Board of Assessors is composed of five taxpayers who is responsible for the assessment of almost 300,000 real property tax accounts and the administration of tax relief programs for homestead, elderly and disabled persons, conversation use, historic and tax-exempt properties which are executed by 150 staff members headed by a Chief Appraiser. In order to provide for a more "friendly" relationship between the taxpayer and the office of Chief Appraiser, the Board of Assessors has adopted the priorities of annual assessment of property for accuracy and equity and improvement in customer's service by encouraging more personal contact and display of courtesy between appraiser staff and taxpayers. The philosophy of the Chief Appraiser is this: "The taxpayer may not always BE right, but the taxpayer will always be TREATED right." It appears that the Board of Assessors and Chief Appraiser are very serious in their aspiration to "recontruct the confidence of the public in the fairness of the real and personal property assessments in Fulton County."
We were delighted to have visiting with us two members of the Board of Assessors: Al Levine and Albert Maslic who accompanied Chief Appraiser Cunningham.
President Yvonne extended a warm welcome to Sarah Hagood and Michael who we have been missing from several meetings. Attention was called also to Angie, Sean and other committee members for their handling of Mrs. Georgia Nursing Home pageant in which ninety-three year old Mrs. Owens was chosen as Queen for 2000 - 2001. The interclub with Galleria/Northwest on Wednesday (May 24th) was successful with the presence of President Yvonne, Bob, David, Fred, Larry, Ray, and Sean.
Old Pitchfork Mel got his three pounds of flesh from David, Michael, and the Commissioner.
"Republican boys date Democratic girls. They plan to marry Republican girls but feel they are entitled to a little fun first." Anonymous
Tuesday's meeting, May 30th, is the last opportunity to win the fifty-dollar gift for the member who recruits the most members during this month (May). Governor Ron Jackson will award a trophy and $100.00 to the club in Division I that has the highest percent of new members and the highest number of new members.
Membership in Kiwanis requires two members' endorsement and a two-thirds vote of the club's board.
The candidate, Aubry Austin, for Fulton County Sheriff will be guest speaker on Tuesday, May 30th.
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