Chief County Assessment Officer (Supervisor of Assessments)

Lee County is seeking a qualified and dedicated professional to serve as its next Chief County Assessment Officer (CCAO). This position provides leadership and oversight of the County's property assessment system, ensuring it is administered fairly, accurately, and in compliance with Illinois law.

This is an appointed position responsible for overseeing assessment functions, supporting the Board of Review process, and providing administrative leadership to the Assessment Office.

Position Overview

Position: Chief County Assessment Officer (also referred to as Supervisor of Assessments)

Department: Lee County Assessment Office

Accountable to: County Board pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/3-5

Administrative Reporting: County Administrator

Classification: Exempt

Salary Level: $72,00 - $82,000/yr

The Chief County Assessment Officer (CCAO) administers the County's property tax assessment process in accordance with the Illinois Property Tax Code and applicable regulations.

This position is responsible for overseeing assessment activities, ensuring equitable and uniform property valuations, and supporting the Board of Review process. The CCAO also serves as Clerk of the Board of Review and chairs the Farmland Assessment Review Committee.

The CCAO performs statutory duties independently and is not subject to direction that conflicts with those duties.

Distinctions

The appointment, term, dismissal, and reappointment of the CCAO are governed by the Illinois Property Tax Code and are subject to statutory change.

• Appointment/Term: Appointed by the presiding officer of the County Board with the advice and consent of the County Board. Term is four (4) years and until a successor is appointed and qualified (35 ILCS 200/3-5).
• Dismissal: May be removed by a two-thirds vote of the County Board for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance (35 ILCS 200/3-10).
• Reappointment: Incumbent may be reappointed without examination. If not reappointed, notice and hearing rights apply (35 ILCS 200/3-25).
• Restrictions: The CCAO shall hold no other lucrative public office or public employment (35 ILCS 200/3-35).

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Statutory duties as mandated by the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200) include performing and/or directing the following:

• Instructing township assessors on assessment procedures
• Preparing and maintaining tax maps and parcel ownership records
• Receiving and analyzing township assessment rolls
• Equalizing assessments within the county
• Administering homestead and other statutory exemptions
• Publishing assessment rolls
• Issuing required assessment change notices
• Certifying assessment rolls to the Board of Review
• Submitting reports and statistical abstracts to the Illinois Department of Revenue
• Serving as Clerk of the Board of Review

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversees county-wide assessment cycles and ensures proper equalization of property values
• Responds to taxpayer inquiries, complaints, and assessment concerns
• Provides information and support during Board of Review and appeal proceedings
• Coordinates with township assessors, Board of Review members, and the Illinois Department of Revenue
• Ensures compliance with state equalization standards and sales ratio studies
• Supports transparency through public communication and outreach

Board of Review Role

Provides administrative and clerical support to the Board of Review while maintaining appropriate separation from its quasi-judicial decision-making functions.

Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of the Illinois Property Tax Code and related regulations
• Ability to interpret statutes, case law, and regulatory guidance
• Ability to analyze legislation and assess local impact
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, and the public
• Strong communication and public engagement skills
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and ethical decision-making
• Ability to manage conflict and handle sensitive situations professionally
• Proficiency in standard office technology and assessment-related software
• Ability to work with statistical and mathematical concepts

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises Assessment Office staff in accordance with County policies and procedures, including participation in hiring, performance management, discipline, and training. Responsible for planning, assigning, and directing work.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in an office setting using standard office equipment. The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, occasionally stand and move about, lift up to 25 pounds, and travel as needed.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Full-time position, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required for meetings and public events.

Travel

Travel is required for continuing education, professional meetings, and outreach within the County.

Required Education and Experience

Candidates must meet the qualifications required to serve as a Chief County Assessment Officer as established by the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/3-5).

Detailed qualification requirements are available through the Illinois Department of Revenue:

Candidates are encouraged to review this document to determine eligibility.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in property assessment, real estate, finance, or appraisal
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to meet and maintain all Illinois Department of Revenue certification and examination requirements, as applicable

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field
• Experience in public sector assessment administration
• Supervisory or management experience

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Background check, including verification of credentials, is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lee County complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and is committed to equal opportunity in employment and service delivery.

Background and security clearance is required for this position.