Press Release No. 050
Date: October 31, 2003
Contact: Angela Johnson / Phone 773-6449

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF FIRST PHASE OF TRAINING TO UPGRADE TAX APPRAISAL SYSTEM

The Tax Assessor's Division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor recently completed a rigorous training course aimed at improving real property assessments, in keeping with the ruling set forth by the District Court.

Coordinated by Mr. Joseph Hunt, Special Master assigned by the Court, and Tax Assessor Roy Martin, the recent week-long training is the first in a series of sessions planned to upgrade the real property appraisal system in the Territory.

Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards stated, "Training is designed to allow appraisers within the Tax Assessor's Division to increase their knowledge and skills regarding the most up-to-date practices for property valuations. The Tax Assessor has for some time now realized the necessity of advancing staff development and is anxious to continue the process. He and I know that it can only add to the professionalism and accuracy of the Virgin Islands tax assessment system."

The course of study completed earlier this month was certified by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and conducted by Mr. Kenneth Voss, Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) and Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE).

Technical training covered the fundamentals of real property appraisal, emphasizing the theory and techniques of the cost and sales comparison approach to valuation. Staff from the Tax Assessor's Division reviewed terminology; appraisal and economic principles; general principles of land valuation; assessment functions; and the mass appraisal process.

Lieutenant Governor Richards said he is sure that staff of the Tax Assessor's Division will benefit from such intense training. "This is in keeping with my commitment to further the reappraisal of real properties throughout the territory, and additionally in providing staff with the opportunity to fine tune their current skills."

Tax Assessor Martin stated: "The staff is anxious to continue the training and it has improved morale and productivity and we are looking forward to the next session to be held shortly. We are working very hard to change the public perception of the office."