June 16, 2003—MicroSolve has announced the deployment of a PC-based property appraisal system in the State of Vermont.
Historically, the 262 towns within Vermont did not have the means to conduct and maintain property assessment information in a consistent, accurate, and equitable manner. Many of the towns had obsolescent computer systems, or paper-based property appraisal processes.
These less-than-satisfactory appraisal methods and business processes created several issues for both the towns and the State, including (1) inequitable taxation and funding, (2) high appraisal costs, and (3) potential withholding of state highway and education funding.
The State selected MicroSolve, a Waltham, MA-based, CAMA (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal) software provider to deliver a property assessment solution that would support proven, standardized processes for property valuation on a statewide basis.
The States policy of education and collaboration, with the States Information Technology Division providing a systems analyst / project leader responsible for training and ongoing support, proved an invaluable component of program success. Communications between the towns and the States Tax Department improved dramatically, as did all associated property assessment business processes.
The program has also enabled the State to significantly lower assessment costs, eliminate redundant data entry while reducing errors, and monitor overall appraisal quality.
For more information, contact MicroSolve.
