HomeMy WebLinkAboutRichmond County Board Of Tax Assessors
Augusta Richmond GA
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AGREEMENT
07/27/00
STATE OF GEORGIA )
COUNTY OF RICHMOND )
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the ~~y of
by and between the RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS (' m
sometimes referred to herein as "Board") and ELZIE W. REECE, II ("Employee");
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ the services of said Employee as Chief
Tax Appre.iser for Rid'uuond County, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Employer to provide certain benefits, establish certain
conditions of employment and to set working conditions of said Employee; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Employer to (1) secure and retain the services of
Employee and to provide inducement for him to remain in such employment, (2) to make possible
full work productivity by assuring Employee's morale and peace of mind with respect to future
security; (3) to act as a deterrent against malfeasance or dishonesty for personal gain on the part of
Employee, and (4) to provide ajust means for terminating Employee's services at such time as he
may be unable fully to discharge his duties due to sickness or disability or when Employer may
. otherwise desire to terminate his employ; and
WHEREAS, Employee desires to accept employment as Chief Tax Appraiser of the
Richmond County;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Duties
Employer hereby agrees to employ said Employee as Chief Tax Appraiser of
Richmond County, Georgia to perfom1 the function and duties specified in Attachment A and to
perform other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the Employer ~haII from time
to time assign.
Section 2. Term
A. Nothing in this agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the
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right of the Employer to terminate the services of Employee ~t any time, subject only to the
provisions set forth in Section 4, paragraphs A and B, of this agreement.
B. Nothing in this agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the
right of the Employee to resign at any time from his position with Employer, subject only to the
provision set forth in Section 4, paragraph C, of this agreement.
C. Employee agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of Employer for a term
of three (3) years, beginning August 7, 2000 and ending August 6, 2003, and neither to accept other
employment nor to become employed by any other employer until said tennination date, unless said
termination date is affected as hereinafter provided.
Section 3. Suspension
Employer may suspend the Employee with full pay and benefits at any time during
the term of this agreement, but only if
(1) a majority ofthe Board of Tax Assessors and Employee agree, or
(2) after a public hearing, a majority of the Board of Tax Assessors votes to
suspend Employee for just cause; provided, however, that Employee shall have been given Vo.lfitten
notice setting forth any charges at least ten days prior to such hearing by the Board members
bringing such charges.
Section 4. Termination and Severance Pay
A. In the event Employee is terminated by the Employer before expiration of the
aforesaid term of employment and during such time that Employee is willing and able to perform
his duties under this agreement, then in that event Employer agrees to pay Employee a lump sum
cash payment equal to his remaining compensation under this Agreement or nine (9) months'
aggregate salary, whichever is lesser; provided, however, that in the event Employee is terminated
because of his arrest, conviction, or indictment for any crime involving moral turpitude, or of any
illegal act involving personal gain to him, then, in that event, Employer shall have no obligation to
pay any severance sum as designated in this paragraph. Payment of the severance compensation by
Employer and acceptance by Employee shall be in full and complete settlement of all claims or
demands by either the Employer or Employee against the other and a mutual release shall be
executed as a condition for such payment.
B. In the event Employer at any time during the tenn of this Agreement reduces
the salary or other financial benefits of Employee in a greater percentage than an applicable across-
the-board reduction for all employees of Employer; or in the event Employer refuses, following
written notice, to comply with any other provision benefiting Employee herein, or the Employee
resigns following a suggestion, whether formal or infom1al, by the Board of Tax Assessors that he
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resign, then, in that event, Employee, may, at his option, be deemed to be "terminated" at the date
of such reduction or such refusal to comply, within the meaning and context of the herein severance
pay provision.
C. In the event Employee voluntarily resigns his position with Employer before
expiration of the aforesaid term of his employment, then Employee shall give Employer three (3)
months notice in advance, unless the parties otherwise agree.
Section 5. Disability
If Employee is permanently disabled or is otherwise unable to perform his duties
because of sickness, accident, injury, mental incapacity or health for a period of four successive
weeks beyond any accrued sick leave, or for twenty working days over a thirty working day period,
Employer shall have the option to terminate this agreement, without any liability for severance pay.
However, Employee shall be compensated for any accrued vacation, holidays, compensatory time
and other accrued benefits.
Section 6. Salary
Employer agrees to pay Employee for his services rendered pursuant hereto an
annual base salary of Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000.00) for the first year of this Agreement,
payable in installments at the sanle time as other employees of the Employer and Augusta are paid.
In addition, Employer agrees to increase said base salary and/or other benefits of
Employee in such amounts and to such extent as the Board of Tax Assessors may determine that is
desirable to do so, but not in excess of such rate as other general employees of Augusta-Richmond
County except as specifically authorized by the budget approved by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission.
Section 7. Outside Activities
Employee shall not spend time in teaching, counseling or other non-Employer
connected business without the prior approval of the Board of Tax Assessors; provided, however
Employee is specifically authorized to teach IAAO, GAAO and Georgia Depmiment of Revenue
classes, in Georgia, for not more than two (2) weeks during any calendar year, without approval of
the Board of Tax Assessors. Further, Employee shall be allowed to teach MIA courses during his
vacation time.
As pertains to the second paragraph Employee shall be allowed to complete his
engagements as a consulting appraiser for those projects for which he has been employed as ofthe
date of this Agreement, which jobs shall be identified to the county attorney, but said county attorney
shall keep said jobs in confidence unless required to divulge them by a court of competent
jurisdiction or to enforce the terms of this Agreement as determined by the county attorney. No
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other appraisal assignments or consulting work will be accepted by Elzie W. Reece, II without the
approval of the Employer.
Employee shall be allowed to retain his real estate brokerage license and shall be
entitled to receive commissions on those listings existing as of the date ofthis Agreement. Except
as provided herein, Employee is prohibited from engaging in the real estate sales or brokerage
business during the term of this Agreement.
Section 8. Automobile
Employee shall be paid $150.00 per month as an automobile allowance during the
term of this Agreement and shall be entitled to 0.08 per mile for official travel in Augusta and the
IRS allowance for official travel outside of Augusta (cullently 0.31 Y2 per mile). Employee shall be
responsible for all expenses related to said automobile.
Section 9. Renewal or Extension of Term.
The Parties recognize that there is a need to maintain continuity in the position of the
Chief Tax Appraiserfor Richmond County, Georgia. Accordingly, the parties agree to negotiate any
extension of this contract on or before May 1,2003, in order that both Employer and Employee may
have appropriate decisions related to the Chief Tax Appraiser position, continued employment, and
other matters related to Employee's relationship with Employer.
Section 10. Vacation, Sick and Military Leave.
A. Employee shall accrue, and have credited to his personal account, vacation
and sick leave at the same rate as other general employees of Augusta-Richmond County with ten
or more years of service.
B. Employee shall be entitled to military reserve leave time pursuant to state'law
and Richmond County policy.
Section 11. Disability, Health, Life Insurance and Retirement.
A. During the term of this Agreement, Employer agrees to put into force and to
make required premium payments for Employee on insurance policies for life, accident, sickness,
disability income benefits, major medical and dependent's coverage group insurance covering
Employee and his dependents equal to that which is provided all other employees of Augusta.
B. During the term of this Agreement, Employer agrees to provide
hospitalization, surgical and comprehensive medical insurance for Employee and his dependents and
to pay the premiums thereon equal to that which is provided all other employees of Augusta.
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C. The Employer and Employee agree that the Employee shall participate in the
County pension or retirement plan and shall be deemed to be vested in such plan.
Section 12. Dues and Subscriptions
Employer agrees to budget and to pay for the professional dues and subscriptions of
Employee necessary for his continuation and full participation in national, regional, state and local
associations and organizations necessary and desirable for his continued professional participation,
growth and advancement, and for the good of the Employer.
Employer shall pay Employee's expenses in attending necessary courses to mal~ain
his MAl designation and shall pay the arumal dues to maintain membership in said organization.
Dues for calendar year 2000 shall be prorated.
Section 13. Professional Development
A. Employer hereby agrees to budget for and to pay the travel and subsistence
expenses of Employee for professional and official travel, meetings and occasions adequate to
continue the professional development of Employee and to adequately pursue necessary official and
other functions forEmployer, including such national, regional, state and local govemmental groups
and committees thereof which Employee serves as a member.
B. Employer also agrees to budget and to pay for the travel and subsistence
expenses of Employee for short courses, institutes and seminars that are necessary for his
professional development and for the good of the Employer.
Section 14. General Expenses
A. Employer recognizes that certain expenses of a nonpersonal and generally
job-affiliated nature are incurred by Employee, and hereby agrees to reimburse or to pay said general
expenses as approved by the Chairman of the Board of Tax Assessors and Augusta is hereby
authorized to disburse such monies upon receipt of duly executed expense or petty cash vouchers,
receipts, statements or personal affidavits.
B. Employer shall provide Employee with a cellular phone for official uses
under the same terms and conditions as cellular phones are provided to employees of Augusta.
Section 15. Indemnification
As a part of the compensation and terms of employment of Employee, the county
attomey is hereby directed to defend all civil, criminal or quasi-criminal actions brought against such
Employee arising out of the performance of his duties or in any way cOlmected therewith, whether
based upon negligence, violation of contract rights, or violation of civil, constitutional, common law
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or statutory rights; provided, however, the county attorney shall not be authorized to furnish a
defense to Employee if charged with a criminal offense involving theft, embezzlement or other like
crime with respect to the property or money of Augusta-Richmond County or any other
governmental entity; and provided further, the county attorney shall not be required to furnish a
defense where liability insurance has been provided by Augusta-Richmond County to protect outside
parties and pay damages by reason of the occurrence or action complained of. It is hereby resolved
that Augusta-Richmond County may expend public funds to furnish all costs in connection with the
defense of such action, including but not limited to attorney's fees, court costs, deposition costs,
witness fees and compensation.
Section 16. Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
A. The Employer, in consultation with the Employee, shall fix such other terms
and conditions of employment, as it may determine from time to time, relating to the performance
of Employee, provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the
provisions of this agreement, the Augusta-Richmond County Charter or any other law.
B. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all provisions of the
Augusta-Richmond County Charter and Code, and regulations and rules of Augusta and the
Employer relating to vacation and sick leave, holidays and other fringe benefits and working
conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be amended, also shall apply to Employee as they
would to other department heads of Augusta.
C. Employer shall review and evaluate the performance of Employee at least
once every six (6) months and in advance of the adoption of the annual operating budget. Said
review and evaluation shall be in accordance with specific criteria developed jointly by Employer
and Employee. Said criteria may be added to or deleted from as Employer may from time to time
determine, in consultation with Employee. Further, the Chairman of the Board of Tax Assessors,
or his designee, shall provide the Employee with a summary written statement of the findings.ofthe
Board of Tax Assessors and provide an adequate opportunity for Employee to discuss his evaluation
with the Board.
Section 17. No Reduction of Benefits
Employer shall not at any time during the term of this agreement reduce the salary,
compensation or other financial benefits of Employee, except to the degree of such a reduction
across-the-board for all employees of the Employer.
Section 18. Notices
Notices pursuant to this agreement shall be given by deposit in the custody of the
United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
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(1) EMPLOYER: Chairman
Board of Tax Assessors
Municipal Building
Augusta, GA 30911
(2) EMPLOYEE: Elzie W. Reece, II
818 Russell Street
Augusta, GA 30904
Alternatively, notices required pursuant to this agreement may be personally served in the same
manner as is applicable to civil judicial practice. Notice shall be deemed given as of the date of
personal service or as of the date of deposit of such \hrritten notice in the course of transmission in
the United States Postal Service.
Section 19. General Provisions
A. The text herein shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties.
B. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit ofthe heirs at
law and executors of Employee.
C. This Agreement shall become effective upon execution.
D. If any provision, or any portion thereof, contained in this agreement is held
unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement, or portion thereof, shall
be deemed severable, shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Riclunond County Board of Tax Assessors has
caused this agreement to be signed and executed in its behalf by its Chairman and the Employee has
.signed and executed this agreement, both in duplicate, the day and year first above ,,,,ritten.
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ELZIE W. REECE, II
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APPROVED BY:
07/27/00
RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF TAX
ASSESSORS
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1~ Chairm
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Augusta-Richmond County
Job Description
Approved Title:
Title:
Depa rtm eot:
,Reports to:
Chief Appraiser
Chief Appraiser
Tax Assessors Office
Board of Tax Assessors
Job Code:
Overtime:
Date Prepared:
Job Grade:
Exempt
August 25, 1997(edited November 9, 1999)
59
GENERAL SUMMARY: Directs the staff unit that is responsible for administration and operation of the department fulfilling the
statutorY duties of the Chief App~iser, Chief Tax Receiver, and the department head for the Board of Assessors. Operates within the
guidelines of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, property tax and appraisal rules and regulations, County and departmental
policies and procedures, and standard operating procedures. Reports to Board of Tax Assessors and works with staff, managers,
attorneys, real estate personnel, surveyors, developers, elected officials and the public to ensure taxes are properly and equitably
assessed.
PRrNCIPAL DUTIES AND KESPONSIBILlTIES I
1. Directs the overall planning, operation, and administration of the real and personal property returns process, the exemption requests
filing and approval process, and the production of the annual property tax digest.
2. Manages and directs by planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the staffand other business resources.
3. Coordinates with State, county, municipal officials and public on property assessment and tax digest preparation to be consistent
with the goals and objectives of the assignment and ensures that activities comply with established regulations and restrictions.
4. Budgets and accounts for all revenue and expenditures for the department.
5. Ensures taxes are properly and equitably assessed by overseeing the mapping of parcels, performing trend analysis of changes in
building and land costs, supervising the inspection and appraisal of new construction, and responding to property valuation and
related tax concerns.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: BNBS degree in related occupational field of study and possess the Appraiser IV designation as mandated by the Georgia
Department of Revenue.
Experience: 5+ years work related experience preferably in the appraisal field.
Kn owledg e/Skillsl Abilities:
. Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of computcr programming, statistics, mathematics, automated systems, and all
methods of real and personal property valuation and inspection.
. Familiarity with the principles and practices of planning, research, development and supervision.
. Mastery of interpreting Ad Valorem taxation laws, rules and regulations of the State of Georgia, local land use and values, and
interpretation of deeds, legal descriptions, mapping, data processing, and geographic information systems.
Proficiency in problem solving, interpreting statutory requirements, regulations and procedures, and maintaining effective inter-personal
and group relations.
. Good communication skills, both oral and written
Other:
. Travel from office to other locations may be required on a regular basis
. Be at least 21 years of age.
. Possession or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type ofvehic1e operated.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Sitting at desk with intermittent walking, standing stooping, bending, crouching, and frequently lifting light and heavy objects. Work is
performed in an office and outdoors with potential exposure to inclement weather, dust, noise, and dirt.
DISCLAI:\IER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this
classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventor)' of all duties, responsibilities, and
qualifications required of employees to this job.
RE\l EW/APPROVA LS
Human Resources
Date
Line or Staff Management
TAO/l
Date