Title
Vote on a request to approve the Pictometry International Corp. agreement and authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve the Pictometry International Corp. agreement and authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement.
Introduction & Background: Pictometry is the name of an aerial image capture process that produces imagery showing all four sides of buildings and locations on the ground. Pictometry International Corp. contracts with assessment jurisdictions all around the country and world. They will fly the jurisdiction and take oblique (45 degree angle) imagery of all of the parcels, which enables its customers to view all four sides of structures from a web based application. This greatly enhances the appraiser’s capability to easily view all sides of structures from their office to answer taxpayer questions, prevent field visits in many situations, and perform desktop appraisal reviews and auditing of property characteristics. The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) lists this in their Standard on Mass Appraisal of Real Property as an “Alternative to Periodic On-site Inspections”. The Chatham County Tax Office have contracted with Pictometry in the past, and have been very pleased with the execution of the contract and the product deliverables.
Discussion & Analysis: Examples of how oblique and recent aerial photography benefit the Tax Office:
• Reduce field checks to determine if we have the correct data and a reasonable measurement on a structure when being questioned.
• Verify listings/structures when we do not have access to the property.
• Locate/list improvements that may not be visible from traditional ortho imagery.
• Measure building heights.
• Measure less significant buildings without a field check to sound value structures.
• Facilitate PUV reviews by measuring the size of fields and woodland to ensure compliance, and process new applications.
• Enables you to work assessment appeals more efficiently from the office by having a four sided view of the structure to make informed decisions on the subject property compared to comparable sales.
• Enhances the Board of Equalization and Review hearings by being able to thoroughly view the property during the hearing.
• Assist other agencies (public safety agencies, board of elections, school districts, etc.).
• If flown close to the first of the year, it can help verify the status of new construction as of January 1.
• Up to date digital imaging will allow the county to supplement field reviews and re-inspections during a county wide reappraisal or field audits.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: N/A
Budgetary Impact: The agreement is for $112,532.00, and for FY 2019 it has been budgeted for $130,000.00.
Recommendation: Motion to approve the Pictometry International Corp. agreement.