In this episode, Bobby Upchurch, with 22 years of experience as PVA of Wayne County, discusses the county's real estate market, driven by lake properties and attracting buyers from various states. He highlights the challenges of rising real estate values and the impact of social media on public behavior. Bobby explains the property tax system, including assessments, appeals, and tax bill issuance. He notes the increase in median sale prices from $60,000 to $130,000 over five years and advises new PVAs to stay positive amid market fluctuations.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background (0:01)
• Bobby's Journey to Becoming PVA (2:29)
• Challenges and Changes in the Role (4:40)
• Real Estate Market and Property Tax System (6:20)
• Handling Upset Taxpayers and Property Assessments (10:59)
• Advice for New PVAs and Reflections on the Job (12:45)
• Final Thoughts and Encouragement (17:54)

‍

In this episode, Ron Dean, Muscogee County Assessor, discusses his role and responsibilities, including overseeing the valuation of 49,000 real properties and all business personal property in a county of 69,000 residents. His team of 14 conducts visual inspections every four years on 13,000 parcels annually, with additional inspections for changes or deed transfers. They aim to reflect market values by February and mail notices to property owners. Dean emphasizes the importance of accurate valuation methods, such as sales data for residential properties and cost approaches for commercial properties. He also highlights the challenges of business personal property reporting and the benefits of early tax statement mailing, which Muscogee County has achieved for the past six years.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background (0:01)
• Current Challenges and Opportunities (1:20)
• Field Work and Team Dynamics (5:41)
• Valuation Methodologies and Market Data (9:00)
• Business Personal Property and Legislative Changes (12:30)
• Energy and Mineral Extraction (15:33)
• Coordination and Budget Processes (19:53)
• New Technology and Public Engagement (23:30)
• Support from County Commissioners (27:00)
• Advice for New Assessors (29:39)
• Leadership and Association Involvement (31:34)
• Final Thoughts and Future Goals (35:14)

In this episode, Joe McClour, the assessor of Atoka County since 2018, discusses his transition from GIS mapping to the assessor's office, highlighting challenges like retraining a new staff and adapting to software changes. He emphasizes the importance of hiring smart, team-oriented individuals and the necessity of careful hiring to minimize retraining and firing. McClour detailed the evolution of digital mapping in his office, noting a significant increase in public demand for accessible property data. He also addressed the impact of new developments, such as a $35 million crypto mining facility, on local tax rolls. Additionally, McClour expressed a passion for helping disabled veterans and the need for more affordable housing.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background of Joe McClour (0:02)
• Hiring and Training Challenges (2:27)
• Transition to Digital Mapping (4:30)

• Role of the Oklahoma Assessors Association (10:20)
• Public Perception and Veteran Exemptions (14:54)
• Impact of Crypto Mining and Market Trends (15:45)
• Election Experience and Public Notices (17:27)
• Affordable Housing and Market Dynamics (23:37)
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans (28:44)