Announces a recruitment for. For THE CITY OF WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN

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1 Announces a recruitment for CITY ASSESSOR For THE CITY OF WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN GovHR USA is pleased to announce the recruitment and selection process for the City Assessor for the City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. This brochure provides background information on the City of Wauwatosa and on the Wauwatosa Assessor Department, as well as the requirements and expected qualifications for the position. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their résumé and cover letter, along with contact information for five (5) work-related references by March 24, Robert A. Beezat, Of Counsel GovHR USA/Voorhees Associates 650 Dundee Road, Suite 270 Northbrook, IL TEL: FAX: Formal applications should be submitted to:

2 City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT The City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, (pop. 47,000), a dynamic inner-ring suburb of Milwaukee located on the banks of the Menomonee River and home to Milwaukee County s Regional Medical Center, Milwaukee County Research Park, and the Mayfair Mall, seeks an experienced leader to serve as City Assessor. This is a complex managerial and administrative position responsible for working closely with the City Administrator, Assessor Office staff, and other City Departments to develop and maintain accurate and timely property values information for tax purposes and to serve as a focal point linking many aspects of the City s property-related information systems. The City Assessor must possess strong and proven leadership competencies including: progressive vision and strategic skills; communication and interpersonal skills; ability to achieve organizational effectiveness; the ability to bring out the best in people; and act as a team player. Ideal candidate will have a strong GIS and CAMA background and knowledge to lead staff and collaborate with other City Departments regarding property-related information systems of the City. A bachelor s degree in business, accounting, finance, property appraisal, real estate, information technology management, or related field with 5-10 years increasingly responsible administrative, management, and technical experience preferred. Starting salary: $80,000+/- with excellent fringe benefits/ pension package. Candidates should apply with cover letter, résumé and contact information for five work-related references by March 24 to Robert Beezat, Of Counsel, to GovHR USA via Voorhees Associates website at: Electronic submission preferred. Mail submissions to 650 Dundee Road #270 Northbrook, IL Tel: Additional information available at COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The City of Wauwatosa (population 47,000) is located immediately west of the City of Milwaukee in Milwaukee County. Wauwatosa is a part of the Menomonee River Valley, located in southeastern Wisconsin. The area started to populate after the federal government built a road from Milwaukee through Wauwatosa to connect with Madison.

3 City Assessor An early settler, Charles Hart, then built a mill in 1845 along the Menomonee River which gave the settlement its original name, Hart s Mill. In the mid 1800s the area was named after the Potawatomi word wau-wau-tae-sie which means firefly which were abundant in the summer time. The Town of Wauwatosa government was organized in 1842, and in 1849, Watertown Plank Road was constructed through Wauwatosa following the old Madison territorial road. In 1851, Wisconsin s first railroad (later becoming The Milwaukee Road) established Wauwatosa as its western terminus. In the 1950s the City doubled its size by annexing 8.5 square miles of land west of the Menomonee River. The City of Wauwatosa was re-chartered in Known as the city of homes, Wauwatosa was the second city in the state to adopt a zoning ordinance in The ordinance established a designated use for each lot plotted, and designated residential districts; stores and manufacturing operations were limited to certain streets. Today, Wauwatosa is a bustling, family-friendly city with a vital commercial and retail district anchored by the upscale Mayfair Mall. The City s enviable geographic location provides excellent transportation access and makes Wauwatosa second only to the City of Milwaukee as a regional employment center. The Milwaukee County Medical Center, the Research Park, Harley-Davidson, GE Health Care, and Briggs and Stratton are just some of Wauwatosa s economic engines. Wauwatosa s neighborhoods provide a wide variety of housing stock. These diverse neighborhoods combined with excellent schools and an engaged citizenry provide the foundation for a high quality of life for Wauwatosa residents. CITY GOVERNMENT The City of Wauwatosa is a progressive, dynamic, full-service municipal organization. The City is governed by a Mayor who is elected at large, together with 16 Alderpersons two each from eight (8) districts covering the City. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The City Administrator is appointed by the Mayor and Common Council and is responsible for administering the City s operations. The City has a total of 453 full-time equivalent employees and a General Fund budget of $54,138,507 for 2014.

4 City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Wauwatosa Vision Excellence Energy Employment Education. These words define the present and future citizen experience in the City of Wauwatosa. We are strategically located in the middle of metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin s economic center, and straddle Wisconsin s busiest freeway interchange with unparalleled opportunities in economic development, retail, housing, and transportation. We are a national leader in research, engineering, manufacturing, medicine, and education. Our full-service city is recognized for efficiency, continuous improvement, and the ability to think globally and act locally. Our citizens represent all generations and all ethnic and racial groups, well-educated and committed to maintaining an unrivaled sense of community through active neighborhood groups, service organizations, and other volunteer initiatives. Today, we again have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-shape, refine, and design our community for the 2050 s. Looking to the future, we envision opportunities in business, recreation, the arts, parks, culture, tourism, and higher education. Balancing financial resources with public investment is our first priority, and we believe that expanding our tax and employment bases is the right way to ensure our long-term viability. We foster strong relationships with neighboring communities and with our public and private schools, colleges, and businesses, recognizing that partnership and collaboration will be the key to our success. We will accomplish our vision through wise financial planning, progressive thinking, innovative solutions, deliberate risk-taking, and adherence to best practices. Our challenges are many and clear, but we are committed to effective planning to ensure that we will build a consensus for our future direction. As stewards of our future, we have high expectations for ourselves, our citizens, and this special place we call Wauwatosa. THE CITY ASSESSOR DEPARTMENT The Mission of the Assessor s Office is: To discover, list and value all taxable real and personal property within the City s jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with Chapter 70 Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual, and applicable case law. The City Assessor Department has a staff of 5.57 full-time equivalent employees consisting of the City Assessor, a Deputy Assessor, an Appraiser III, an Appraiser II, an Appraiser I, and a part-time Municipal Clerk. The City Assessor is appointed by the Mayor with the confirmation of the Common Council upon the recommendation of the City Administrator of a certified list of eligible candidates. The City Assessor reports to the City Administrator.

5 City Assessor The Assessor s Office has an operating budget of approximately $658,233 for the 2014 fiscal year. (Link to City s adopted 2014 budget: The budget supports the actual assessment function including property inspections as well as the service function of providing property data to property owners, real estate professionals, other government agencies, and other city departments whose functions rely on an accurate and current property database. The programs support the overall assessment function as mandated by The Wisconsin Constitution, statutory law and the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual. Utilization of Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software is a primary focus for the provision of accurate and defensible assessed values. The Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual (WPAM) is provided to municipalities by the WI Department of Revenue. This manual provides guidelines which Wisconsin assessors are required to use for their office operations. The Wauwatosa Assessor s Office performs property inspections for the following reasons each year: 1. Properties that have sold 2. Properties with permits with significant remodeling (some properties only require an exterior review) 3. Properties where the owner has requested an assessment review 4. Properties where the Assessor s Office has determined that an inspection is needed The Assessor s office is located in City Hall. The City Assessor is very active in attending Common Council, various committee and staff meetings as well as attending neighborhood and community meetings. Assessor Department Quick Facts $5.2 billion Equalized Assessed Valuation 14,812 Assessable residential properties 930 Assessable commercial properties $227,800 median value of owner-occupied housing units 4,678 business firms

6 City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin ASSESSOR DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The Assessor Department s goals and objectives for 2014 as set forth in the City s 2014 Budget are as follows: Full implementation of new CAMA software this will provide new efficiencies so the staff members can perform more analysis, thus producing more equitable assessed values. Integration with GIS, Pictometry, Permit system, GCS, and Ruekert & Mielke are planned. Creating efficiencies for consortium members including sharing data, sharing custom reports and querys, creating new software-related work processes. Creation of new standard operating procedures for office functions within the department as a result of implementing new software and new guidelines from WI Department of Revenue. Increase use of GIS technology through use of newly revised GIS site and the importing of GIS data into new CAMA system. Two-way sharing of data between Inspection Office and Assessor Office will increase efficiencies and data accuracy for both departments. Regular sharing of ownership information with the Treasurer s Office will provide improved customer service to customers in Treasurer s Office. In addition to the 2014 goals outlined above, the new City Assessor is expected to work closely with the elected officials, the City Administrator and Department Heads on many projects and initiatives. These include but are not limited to: Continued implementation of the City s new Project Leadership performance and compensation plan which emphasizes the Leadership Competencies set forth later in this Brochure. Leading and coordinating the City s responses to litigation by some owners of commercial properties appealing the assessed value of these properties as determined by the City. Keeping pace with the significant development and redevelopment of commercial properties in the City. Preparing for the 2016 complete re-valuation of all residential and commercial properties in the City. Working with 19 municipalities in the area to consider potential consolidation of services in various areas of municipal programs and activities.

7 City Assessor CITY ASSESSOR CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA The City of Wauwatosa is seeking experienced and innovative candidates for its next City Assessor. The following factors of education/experience and management style/professional traits have been identified as necessary and desirable for the next City Assessor to succeed in this position. Education and Experience (Not listed in order of importance) A bachelor s degree in business, accounting, finance, property appraisal, real estate, information technology management, or related field and 5-10 years increasingly responsible administrative, supervisory, and management experience is preferred. Be technically proficient with computer systems used in gathering and analyzing a large amount of data. The ideal candidate will have a strong, demonstrated GIS background and knowledge to lead staff and collaborate with other City Departments regarding property-related information systems of the City. Possession of or ability to obtain a State Assessor II certification is important, but not an absolute requirement. Have a thorough knowledge of laws and regulations as they pertain to the administration of property assessment, including familiarity with current and emerging issues in the field of property assessment. Have a demonstrated record of success in employee supervision and management, consisting of treating employees in an open, fair, and supportive manner. Have experience working with elected and appointed officials and the public, with the ability to present technical assessment information in an understandable manner and with the ability to effectively respond to their questions. Have experience and be comfortable with preparing for and testifying in court regarding appeals of property value assessments by owners of commercial properties. Have demonstrated experience in effective customer service and in working with news media. Have a record of continuing professional education and training to keep up to date with current practices, programs, and technologies of Assessor Department operations; be committed to the need for regular employee training and skill development for Assessor Department staff.

8 City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Leadership Competencies Progressive Vision and Strategic Skills: Able to devise, define, and outline strategies for the future. Has a broad vision that engages and equips the department to take advantage of opportunities and prepare for upcoming challenges. Capably translates high level strategies into practical implementation strategies. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Has the demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with others and shares information in a timely and relevant manner. Clearly presents ideas and understands appropriate electronic, written and verbal communication techniques. Understands personal communication style and adjusts based on the needs of others to ensure shared meaning. Organizational Effectiveness: Understands the formal and informal structure within the organization and successfully achieves positive, desired outcomes. Understands how the policies, procedures, laws, public and political systems work and has the savvy needed to achieve individual, departmental, and organizational results. Is comfortable in stressful situations and demonstrates strong leadership when necessary. Encourages the Best in People: Is skilled at seeing the potential in others. Creates a positive environment and demonstrates formal and informal coaching. Thoughtfully assigns challenging tasks that will stretch and challenge others. Shows awareness of and support for development goals of individuals, teams, departments, and the organization. Team Player: Has the desire to work cooperatively with others on a team. Conveys confidence in team members, and demonstrates success in working through issues. Exhibits a positive attitude toward other employees and departments. Supports the mission and direction of the organization. Personal Qualities and Management Style Possess absolute integrity and honesty in all professional interactions. Be diplomatic when dealing with the Mayor/Common Council, citizens, and community organizations, outside vendors, the City Administrator, and staff. Be able to respond with equanimity in stressful situations. Be able to multi-task and juggle a lot of balls at the same time.

9 City Assessor Provide timely and straightforward feedback to employees regarding personal performance and achievement of assigned goals and objectives. Be comfortable in serving a community that expects a high level of services and responsiveness on the part of municipal staff and employees. Be comfortable attending various City-sponsored events throughout the year, and participating with other department heads in City-related activities. Have the maturity, self-confidence, and strength of professional conviction to provide administrative insights and administrative counsel to the Mayor, Common Council, the City Administrator and staff; be able to firmly and diplomatically present professional views and carry out administrative decisions in a timely, professional, and impartial manner. Have the capability to provide strong, visible leadership by effectively articulating approved City plans, policies, programs, and activities with all governmental agencies, institutions, citizens, businesses, and press.