The state board of equalization that oversees how property values are assessed in California counties has given San Benito a 99.93 percent rating and said the county meets California standards, after the state conducted a survey.
“We’re glad everything worked out,” said County Assessor Tom Slavich.
He said the board typically does an evaluation every five years. There were a few suggestions for improvements, most of which the county already is working on.
The suggestions focused on better procedures to help taxpayers appeal assessments of properties as well as better adjustments for petroleum and mining properties, among other suggestions.
“These surveys are a good tool,” he said. “It’s another set of eyes to make improvements.”
He said the state is looking at how the county assesses properties – which affects property tax rates and home values, among other rates.
The state regularly monitors larger counties and less frequently keeps an eye on smaller counties, Slavich said.
“They put your name in a hat” – and San Benito happened to get picked this year, Slavich said.
“We’ve been on the same keel with Santa Clara County for the last 10 years,” he said.
