Assessor post is hot-button issue

Elected versus appointed. That’s the decision voters in the town of Amenia will have to make regarding the assessor’s position come November, when the matter will go to public referendum. Though the issue doesn’t go before voters for another two months, it’s already been hotly debated at Town Hall.Here’s what’s been discussed — with great emotion — during Town Board meetings ever since the subject was first introduced this summer. The town wants the assessor’s position to be an appointive one; it has been elective. The issue arose after the late Ron Gazzoli, who had been tax assessor in Amenia for 23 years, died in May. To help fill the position Katherine Johnson, the assessor from neighboring North East, was hired for the permitted three-month interim term. After Johnson’s term expired, Interim Assessor Kathleen Myers was hired. Not content with rotating temporary help, the town is preparing for its next permanent assessor. Typically that full-time slot would be filled during elections; this year there is one candidate, former town Supervisor Wayne Euvrard (R). Euvrard has no challengers at this time, unless one considers the referendum as such.Interestingly, with only Euvrard on the ballot (not withstanding any write-in candidates), he’s a shoo-in to win. However, he will be booted from the position if the referendum passes. According to the Local Law Providing for the Appointment of a Sole Appointive Assessor Pursuant to Article 3 of the Real Property Tax Law, once the law is enacted, “the elective office of sole assessor shall be abolished.”The Town Board passed the local law at its board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28, with three in favor and two against.The argument seems to be that an elected assessor would be an Amenia resident, someone who is passionate about the town, who knows everyone and understands local issues. That could be positive or it could be negative.An appointed assessor, it is argued, would be hired based on his or her credentials. He or she would most likely have no ties to the town, no connections, play no favorites, have no biases, be totally objective. That, pretty much, is all positive.There must be special care taken, of course, to ensure the boundaries are respected between the assessor’s office and other departments at Town Hall.If done properly, the pros outweigh the cons in this instance. In fact, all but five municipalities in Dutchess County have appointed assessors, for which the standards are stricter than for their elected counterparts.In Amenia’s case it will serve the town well to have a professional in the assessor’s office — someone who is trained for the job and who is equipped to deal with any crisis that may arise. Case in point are the six or so property assessment cases that resulted from Grievance Day, one which amounted to more than $1 million.Although enthusiasm and good intentions make a difference, when hiring workers it’s the most skilled who should get the job. Excellence counts. Now, there is one caveat. In Amenia’s case the timing is awful. The referendum could pass on the same day that Euvrard gets elected, and that’s really unfortunate. But as much as one dislikes the scenario, and as much as one likes Euvrard, those feelings should not interfere with what’s best for the town in the long run. We recognize that this may seem a little harsh, especially as Euvrard has been so sincere, enthusiastic and persuasive during his campaign, and while pleading his case to that Town Board. That’s all to his credit. The fact remains, however, that Amenia needs an assessor able to deliver the best services possible, and there’s no doubt an appointed assessor is more likely to do just that.