Property Appraiser Wesley Davis gave some welcome news to Indian River County Taxpayers Tuesday morning.
Davis returned to taxpayers more than $226,836 dollars in money approved but not spent in the 2018-2019 fiscal year which ended on September 30.
“Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean we have to spend it”, said Indian River County Property Appraiser, Wesley Davis.
“As a result of leadership and an array of cost containment measures, scrupulous financial management, advances in technology and a commitment from our professional staff, we are able to return $226,836.29 to taxpayers in our first year.”
Davis presented a big check made out to Taxpayers to the Indian River County Commission at its November 19th meeting. $226,836.29 is a 183% increase over the $80,086 returned last year and more than any amount returned by the Property Appraisers office in the last decade.
Traditionally Indian River Constitutional offices return unspent funds and fees to the County Commission at the end of the Fiscal year and placed in the County’s general fund. “When we save, taxpayers save” Davis said.
“I am proud to be only the sixth person in history to serve as Property Appraiser of Indian River County”, Davis noted. We have completed our first cycle from the homestead application period, assessment period, initial estimates, TRIM notices, budget hearings and final rolls and I am proud to say all have been completed on time and accurately.” Said Davis.
“One of my first priorities has been working with the staff to initiate a five year program to embrace technology. As an example of our progress, I can announce today that Indian River County residents may now, for the first time, apply for Homestead exemptions online.” Davis announced. “We are in the top tier, the twenty-eighth of 67 counties to successfully initiate online homestead applications” Davis said.
Approximately 4,500 applications are received annually. “I want to go from 0 to 60% online in one year”, Davis said.
“In six weeks, I will have completed my first year in office”, said Davis. Many changes have been initiated, to improve customer service, to save money and provide transparency in budgeting and spending” said Davis.
“But I am also proud to note that one thing has not changed, and that is our professional staff. 90% of the staff continues on from the Nolte Administration to the Davis Administration.”
For more information contact the Indian River County Property Appraiser’s office – 772-226-1469 or email cwilson@ircpa.org.
