Indiana bill mandates PTABOA members to be residents

A bill in Indiana that changes the residency requirements for members of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) has advanced in the legislature. This legislation was inspired by Samantha Steele, a member from Lake County, who left the board earlier this year. Steele did not have her term renewed and departed in January. She was also a commissioner in Cook County, Illinois. Her departure left the board in need of a new member, which has since been filled by local real estate agent Warren Reeder, according to Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman. The Senate Bill 187 passed the House Local Government Committee with an 8-0 vote. The bill stipulates that any PTABOA member who is not an Indiana resident will have their term end on July 1. This means that local governments will need to appoint new members to fill these positions. State Senator Dan Dernulc authored the bill after learning of Steele's past legal issues. He believes that PTABOA members should live in Indiana to ensure fair property tax assessments for residents. The bill also retains existing qualifications, such as requiring a majority of members to be certified appraisers. Some officials, like Lake County Councilman Ted Bilski, support the bill but worry it might make it harder to find qualified members. However, others, including Council President Christine Cid, are confident that there are enough eligible candidates within the state.