Question 1
1. What is the biggest priority in the next few years for the office of tax commissioner to address?
Implementing state of the art computer software and internet capabilities is the number one challenge for tax commissioners in the future. New and better products are coming to market daily, products which can make the functions of a tax office easier, quicker and more citizen friendly. At the same time, these products will save thousands of dollars in man hours which will reduce the tax burden to property owners in Fayette County. I and the Clerk of Superior Court have been working together for several months to secure software for electronically filing liens, fi fas, etc, which currently are done manually, requiring hundreds of hours of manpower. We have, in fact, already met with one vendor that is currently developing such software.
Question 2
2. Why should anybody care who gets elected as tax commissioner?
The office of Tax Commissioner in the State of Georgia is a crucial elective office. It serves several important purposes, collecting taxes and processing homestead applications being the two most citizens know of best. Motor vehicle registrations throughout the state are performed and maintained by 159 tax offices, accounting for over 135,000 records in Fayette County alone, over 8 million statewide. There are other services and functions as well.
The tax office is usually the initial point of contact for all people moving to Fayette County, and for the majority, the only county office they do business with on a continuing basis. The tax commissioner is charged by state law to accept all applications for homestead and other exemptions.
The tax commissioner, as an elected official, is the sole advocate citizens have to address specific issues regarding their individual tax problems. Property value appeals and abatement requests can be initiated in the tax office; the board of tax assessors has final authority to rule on either.Issues about motor vehicles titles and registrations are all handled in the tax commissioner’s office.
The ability to administrate the office of tax commissioner should be extremely important to the informed voter. Education, experience and leadership qualities are foremost. Municipalities, school boards and the county board of commissioners must have confidence in the abilities of the tax commissioner as well. Because the operation of the tax commissioner’s office is narrowly controlled by state law, the public should expect the person they elect to possess all of the requisites to perform at the highest possible level.
3. What makes you a better public servant than your opponent?
My 15 plus years as tax commissioner and my years in public accounting demonstrate my superior qualifications to hold the office of tax commissioner. I have without question led the Fayette County tax office to the point of being acclaimed the best tax office in the metro Atlanta area, possibly the best in the state. Leadership is accomplished by example, and I and my staff are proud to provide the friendliest and most efficient service possible.
My having served as chairman of the legislative committee of the Georgia Association of Tax Officials has provided an opportunity to work with representatives, senators and governors to improve the functions within the tax offices and delivery of services to the citizens. In recognition of my work in this area, I was honored in 2004 by being chosen TAX COMMISSIONER of the year by 158 colleagues. The time I have spent working in this area has provided an opportunity to be privy to legislation that might adversely impact citizens of Fayette County and local governing authorities. HR900, Speaker Glenn Richardson’s GREAT TAX, plan is just such legislation. I was the first in Fayette County to alert everyone to the dangers of this legislation.
4. What will you do as tax commissioner that you think your opponent won’t or can’t do?
I will continue to work to improve the operations of the tax office and to streamline as many of these functions as possible. Currently Georgia Law requires that applications for all homestead exemptions be made in person at the tax commissioner’s office, sworn in the presence of the tax commissioner or a staff member. I will be working to change the law so that these applications can be done on-line via the internet with independent verification of pertinent data. My staff and I have always made senior exemptions a top priority. For the last several years, we have mailed notices to persons reaching age 64, 65 and 66, apprising them to available benefits. These services will be enhanced and improved when possible.
5. What should the tax commissioner do or change to make the time spent in line a less uncomfortable experience for taxpayers?
Cal, let’s review things that have been done. Our tag lines have been reduced to practically nothing with innovations I have made already. In 1995 and 1996 I worked on several committees to push for a transition to a year round tag and ad valorem tax system. In 1997 that became a reality. In 2000 we implemented electronic transmission of insurance coverage to the motor vehicle data base by insurers, eliminating the need to provide evidence of insurance for the majority of registrations. It’s still a good idea to keep proof of insurance in your automobiles for law enforcement purposes.
A year ago we implemented on-line internet renewal of motor vehicle registrations and payment of property taxes, a great convenience for taxpayers. Many are already saving time and effort by using these methods of payment. We urge people to use on-line or mail whenever possible.
We provide seating in both the tag area and property tax areas for seniors or disabled persons, and give these people personalized service when necessary. I personally go to taxpayer homes when it is necessary to complete homestead applications for those not able to come into the tax office.
Our average wait in the tag lines is now less than 7 minutes. From 8 AM to 10 AM, and much of the afternoon, the majority of taxpayers are able to walk directly to a window and complete their transactions. We urge people to come to the tax office when traffic is likely to be lightest. We remain open late on Tuesdays to accommodate citizens who find it difficult to come to the office without missing work or for other reasons.
Two years ago we began issuing the hanging placards for temporary disabilities. Persons can call our tag office any time to ask that the forms be mailed to them, to be completed by their family physician and returned to our office.
There may be opportunities in the future to make tax office visits easier and quicker, and we will be on top of those opportunities.