Today the Virginian-Pilot reported that Portsmouth officials are requesting an audit of assessments performed in the last fiscal year to determin if the assessments were satisfactory and met industry standards.

Currently the city is seeking a contractor to analyze the assessment office's methods, management, technology and appeals process. They will stop accepting bids for the project at the end of the month, and then will move forward with selecting a contractor and starting the audit.

Audits of this nature are typical when there is a change in leadership to ensure that proper procedures and operations were used. The city conducted a similar audit five years ago when there was a change in leadership at the assessment office. Efforts like this are done in the interests of homeowners to ensure that the process to determining their tax payments are fair and just.

"City officials are requesting an audit of assessments performed in the last fiscal year by the city assessor's office.

The city issued a request for proposals Aug. 15 to determine whether those assessments were satisfactory and met industry standards.

City leaders are also asking a contractor to analyze the office's assessment methods, management practices, technology and appeals process. Sealed bids are due by Aug. 31."

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