Authorization to execute Joint Powers Agreement that forms a California Assessors' Information Technology Agency, at the request of the County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, which will enable the Agency to receive, manage, and expend up to $30 million ($10 million a year for three years) of state funds for technological improvements. (No general fund impact) (Salinas/Galang)

Authorize the Chair to execute the California Assessors' Information Technology Authority Joint Powers Agreement (Att. A).

Over the course of the last 30 years, the State has funded multiple programs with the sole purpose of modernizing and increasing efficiencies in Assessor’s Offices.  The most recent program was a three-year grant program that encouraged the use of technology to innovate property tax processes.  The Yolo County Assessor applied and was granted a majority of the requested amount.  These grant funds allowed the office to innovate processes and complete projects that were cost prohibitive without state assistance. 

Since the last grant program expired, the California Assessors’ Association (CAA) has worked to obtain funding in the State budget for Assessors throughout California.  This year, the CAA was successful and the State agreed to a $30 million grant to fund statewide IT projects. New projects identified by the CAA are intended to benefit all 58 counties and taxpayers across the state by providing a portal to file required forms by taxpayers and a way for counties to collaborate on data collection and communication. They will not impact our Yolo County Innovation and Technology department as the CAA will be contracting with outside vendors to provide shared services. It is expected that the appropriation will be $10 million per year for three consecutive years.

While working through the funding process, the California Department of Finance (DOF) has required that there be a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) so state funds can be deposited with a separate public entity.   In addition to needing to establish a JPA, the statute also requires that the application for funds be submitted by October 1st.  The CAA was unable to complete the work necessary to create a JPA in the time between the DOF decision and October 1st. 

As an interim step, the CAA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Assessors.  This provides an agreement to work together on these projects while proceeding with the work necessary to create a legal entity that meets DOF and statutory requirements.  The MOU is designed with a one-year term, and a JPA formation must be completed by November 15th, in order for the DOF to fund the initial $10 million.  Yolo County's authorization to join this JPA will meet the criteria outlined by the DOF as counties across the state work quickly to establish this new statewide agency prior to the November 15th deadline.  The proposed JPA is a formal agreement to continue our collaboration statewide.  It provides an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver services needed in all 58 California Counties at no cost to the County. 

County Administrators Office, County Counsel, California Assessors' Association (CAA).  Yolo County's County Counsel's Office in particular was brought into the statewide discussion early on and has provided input and insight to the JPA document being submitted.