HB 771 -- COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD (Barnett)

This bill permits each of the members of the county board of
equalization to have their seat filled by a private resident of
the county selected by the county commission.  Currently the
board consists of the county commissioners, county assessor,
county surveyor, and the county clerk.  This bill also removes
the requirement that the county surveyor must be present at
equalization board meetings.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 771 -- COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD

SPONSOR:  Barnett

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on  Local Government and Related Matters by a vote of 17 to 0.

This bill permits each of the members of the county board of
equalization to have their seat filled by a private resident of
the county selected by the county commission.  Currently the
board consists of the county commissioners, county assessor,
county surveyor, and the county clerk.  This bill also removes
the requirement that the county surveyor must be present at
equalization board meetings.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill allows more citizen
involvement in rural communities.  Many citizens in rural
communities feel that the county commission is biased.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Barnett.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Research Analyst

HB 771 -- County Equalization Board

Sponsor:  Barnett

This bill permits each of the members of the county board of
equalization to have their seat filled by a private resident of
the county selected by the county commission.  Currently the
board consists of the county commissioners, county assessor,
county surveyor, and the county clerk.  This bill also removes
the requirement that the county surveyor must be present at
equalization board meetings.