WAAO AWARDS - DESCRIPTIONS       

 

 WAAO's awards program is similar to the IAAO program.  It is designed:

·         to encourage professionalism.

·         to recognize outstanding achievements by individuals and institutions in the property taxation and assessment administration fields.

·         to promote participation in WAAO activities and programs.

·         to focus public attention on WAAO activities and individual member achievements.

 
Each year the WAAO Awards Committee reviews nominees for the following awards:

·         Most Valuable Member
 

·         Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction

·         Distinguished Research & Development

·         Public Information Program Award
 

·         Publication Award
 

·         Distinguished Life Member Award


The most valuable member from the previous year automatically Chairs the Committee, serving with the two prior most valuable recipients, two WAAO members at large, the Association Treasurer, and any other past recipients willing to serve.   The awards are presented annually after the Wednesday evening banquet at the League of Municipalities Assessor’s Institute.    WAAO reserves the right not to present an award in any category in any year.  Materials submitted in conjunction with nomination forms become the property of WAAO. 

Questions concerning the awards can be directed to the attention of the Awards Committee Chairperson, or other Committee members.   Nomination forms can be obtained from, and should be submitted to any of the Awards Committee members. 

Nominations are accepted from any source.  Individual members and governmental units are encouraged to submit nominations.  Submission of your own activities and agency accomplishments should be viewed as a mechanism to share advancements and accomplishments with other WAAO members.  The deadline for submitting nominations each year is July 1st.     The Awards Committee will review the nominations submitted.  

Awards are presented to members that are eligible and have met any or a combination of the criteria suggested with each award.  

 
Most Valuable Member

This is a one-time award presented to a WAAO member who has over a period of years made  significant contributions to the Association through participation in it’s activities, and has made an outstanding contribution to the realization of WAAO’s goals. 

Eligibility and criteria include any or a combination of the following: 

·         Continued WAAO membership for at least 10 years.

·         Significant contributions to the WAAO organization.    

·         Served as an elected position, committee chair, education program instructor, or speaker at WAAO conferences, seminars, etc.

·         Served as a WAAO representative.

·         Actively promoted WAAO as evidenced by new member recruitment.

·         Record of publication in professional literature.

·         Activity in other assessor / appraisal organizations.

·         Served in other public service organizations, national, regional, state or local government study commissions, committees, etc. 

  

Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction 

This award is conferred on a state, county, regional, or local assessment agency, that has instituted or improved a technical, procedural, or administrative program.  The new  program must be generally recognized as a component of a model assessment system, and a contributing factor to equity in property taxation. The program must have been implemented in the two years prior to nomination.  Programs competing on the open market at the time of the award do not qualify.

This award may also be conferred in special appreciation for valuable and exemplary service rendered, by promoting sound legislative initiatives that support the public good in areas of property assessment, which contribute to the professionalism of Wisconsin Assessors.       


Distinguished Research & Development

This award is conferred on an organization, education agency, private sector firm, public agency, or individual for original research in property assessment and taxation, and/or for

mass appraisal techniques and methods, but not as competition in the open market. 

The following are examples of eligible activities: 

·         A record of publication or programs that further the understanding of property taxation or represent the dissemination of information on new mass appraisal/valuation techniques.

·         Sponsorship of continuing educational programs of interest to assessors/appraisers.

·         Development of new assessment/appraisal computer applications or processes. 

·         Development of theories or practical applications which are potentially useful for all assessing jurisdictions. 


Public Information Program Award

This award is given to an assessment jurisdiction that developed and implemented an effective taxpayer information system.  It is open to all assessment jurisdictions or government agencies that have implemented a program in the two years prior to nomination. 

 Eligibility and criteria include any or a combination of the following:  

·         Publication of a taxpayer brochure describing assessment functions in a clear non-technical way. 
 

·         Providing comprehensive assessment and tax notices informing taxpayers of their appeal rights. 
 

·         Providing taxpayer forums or a regular communication program for local civic or taxpayer groups. 

·         Providing opportunities for informal meetings with assessment personnel to discuss individual assessments.

·         Providing a regular taxpayer program/policy of news releases, press conferences, etc. and generally good communications through the local media. 


Publication Award

 
This award is given to a WAAO member (or members) that author and publish an article, or essay on property tax administration, or a topic related to the assessment field.   The article must have been published in a recognized state, regional, or national publication, such as the AVOW, professional organization newsletters, Assessment Digest, Property Tax Journal, etc. within two years prior to nomination. 

 Eligibility and criteria include any or a combination of the following:  

·         Publication of original article, essay, or other written work concerning assessment valuation methods and procedures, property tax administration, etc. 

·         Publication of materials in a professional recognized journal, periodical, newsletter, or bulletin within the past two years.


Distinguished Life Member   (Conferred Upon Retirement)

This award is approved by the WAAO Executive Board  and is presented to individuals who have made substantial contributions to WAAO and/or the assessment profession upon retirement.  The Awards Committee reviews and approves candidates,  and presents the Committee recommendations to the Executive Board at or before the July meeting.    

 Eligibility and criteria include any or a combination of the following:  

·         WAAO membership for at least 10 years, or IAAO membership for at least 20 years.

·         Regular WAAO membership in good standing for at least 10 years at retirement.

·         Served on the Executive Board for at least one 3-year term.

·         Served as Secretary, Treasurer, or President for one term.

·         Served on one or more standing committees for at least 2 full terms.

·         Served as instructor for WAAO sanctioned courses or seminars.

·         Served on DOR Education and Training Committee for at least 2 terms.

·         Lengthy service as a WAAO Representative, and/or service on various standing committees, (Legislative,  Exemption, Personal Property, Real Estate Standards, Education, etc.) or service to the League as Trustee through Past Chair.


                                  HISTORY OF WAAO AWARDS