Board adopts standardized guide for appeals hearings

The Davis County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Aug. 14 to use a standardized guide for how assessment appeals will be conducted. The guide sets suggested timeframes for individual appeals, recommends swearing in witnesses together, and explains documentation expectations for both appellants and assessor staff.

Crystal Osby, Davis County Assessor and secretary to the board, said the proposed guide was "a good way to to run a meeting" and asked for the board's approval to use it as a flexible template. The board moved, seconded and recorded a unanimous vote to adopt the approach for use at hearings, with the caveat that it is not a binding rule and can be modified as needed.

The board also asked that appellants provide at least three copies of any materials to distribute to the three board members and that assessor staff reciprocate by giving taxpayers the same documentation before or at the hearing. The measure is intended to improve transparency and streamline future hearings.