Chief County Assessment Officer

The Chief County Assessment Officer (CCAO) serves as the Supervisor of Assessments for DeKalb County and is responsible for overseeing all property assessment activities in accordance with the Illinois Property Tax Code. This appointed position plays a vital role in ensuring that property values are assessed fairly and equitably throughout DeKalb County, directly affecting local funding for schools, taxing bodies, infrastructure, and public services.

The Assessment Office has primary responsibility in three areas: approving exemption applications and auditing existing exemptions; validating and updating property ownership records; and supporting the DeKalb County Board of Review. The office also administers portions of the Geographic Information Services (GIS) function, which supports DeKalb County's land records system. The office currently includes four (4) support staff.

The CCAO reports to the DeKalb County Board and works collaboratively with DeKalb County's elected officials, township assessors, and the Illinois Department of Revenue to maintain accurate, transparent, and equitable assessments across the county.

Essential Functions

The duties of the CCAO are fixed by Illinois State statute and mandated by the Illinois Property Tax Code. They include, but are not limited to:

• Assembling township assessors for instruction on the assessment process;
• Preparing and maintaining tax maps and parcel ownership information;
• Receiving and analyzing township assessment rolls;
• Equalizing assessments within DeKalb County or any area therein;
• Applying various exemptions to homestead and other qualifying properties;
• Publishing the assessment roll for each township within DeKalb County;
• Providing mailed notice to owners of property with revised assessments;
• Certifying the assessment roll to the DeKalb County Board of Review;
• Reporting statistical abstracts to the Illinois Department of Revenue;
• Serving as Clerk of the DeKalb County Farmland Annual Review Committee;
• Serving as Clerk of the DeKalb County Board of Review;
• Overseeing the administration and accuracy of the County's GIS land records system;
• Supervising and directing departmental staff, including bargaining unit employees, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and County policy; and
• Participating in the DeKalb County Job Audit Committee process as applicable under the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement.

These duties are subject to change through the state legislative process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Working knowledge of the Illinois Property Tax Code, particularly those areas related to requirements and procedures for preferential assessments, homestead exemptions, and Board of Review complaints;
• Familiarity with computer software used for the tracking of property assessments and other administrative systems and applications;
  Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in interpreting and applying state statutes and county policies;
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present to large groups and interact effectively with taxpayers, county officials, and state agencies;
• Demonstrated supervisory and management skills, including experience directing professional and administrative staff; and
• Ability to work collaboratively with township assessors, county departments, elected officials, and the DeKalb County Board.

Minimum Qualifications

Pursuant to the Illinois Property Tax Code, to enter upon the duties of the office of CCAO, a candidate must possess one of the following active designations, as certified by the individual to the County Clerk:

• A currently active Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO) designation from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute;
• A currently active AAS, CAE, or MAS designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO); or
• A currently active MAI, SREA, SRPA, SRA, or RM designation from the Appraisal Institute.

In addition, the candidate must:

• Have at least two (2) years of experience in the field of property sales, assessments, finance, or appraisals; and
• Have passed an examination conducted by the Illinois Department of Revenue to determine competence to hold the office.
• Establish residency in DeKalb County within 18 months of hire.

These qualifications are subject to change through the state legislative process.

Supplemental Information

Term of Office

The term of office shall be four (4) years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualified, as provided under the Illinois Property Tax Code. Outside employment while holding this position is prohibited.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $121,000 to $127,000. DeKalb County Government also offers a benefits package including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health, dental, and life insurance coverage, and a Paid Hours Off (PHO) program covering vacation, sick leave, and holidays. DeKalb County offers a 457 deferred compensation savings plan as well.

Conditions of Employment

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening. The selected candidate must comply with all applicable provisions of the Illinois Property Tax Code and DeKalb County personnel policies throughout the term of office.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DeKalb County Government is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political beliefs, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal and state law. DeKalb County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).