Rochelle Harris, IAO, is the current President of the 900-member New York State Assessors Association which represents government assessors and industry representatives across the Empire State. She currently serves as an assessor in both Madison and Chenango Counties.
eSpatiallyNewYork: You work in both Madison (Hamilton) and Chenango (Sherburne and North Norwich) Counties. When did you begin to see computer mapping and technology changes in your offices?
Harris: I began to notice changes in 2009 – particularly in Chenango County – when a new County Real Property Tax Director was hired. It was the first time that we were able to overlay aerial photography on top of the digital tax maps.
eSpatiallyNewYork: New York State Assessment Community Enterprise System (ACES) looks like a big deal – aka RPSV5. How is this program moving along and the discussion within the Association?
Harris: We are waiting for direction and an updated timetable from ORPTS. There are also many pilot counties and municipalities which provide updates on progress and any issues. We will be holding training classes when the time comes.
eSpatiallyNewYork: Do you feel there would be a benefit for more “GIS/computer mapping” training for the statewide assessor community? Could better engagement with the GIS community improve this in anyway?
Harris: More education can never be a bad thing. Absolutely anything we can do to work together with another agency or organization makes all our lives more efficient. Our current training opportunities can be found on our website which is updated often.
eSpatiallyNewYork: Are you familiar with the New York State GIS Association?
Harris: I actually am. Keith Ducette, who is a GIS Technician with Onondaga County, introduced me to the organization and its programs.
eSpatiallyNewYork: Does the Assessors’ Association have anything like a GIS Work Group or GIS Committee?
Harris: Currently, we do not, but if there is ever an overhaul or a reason to have one, we can create a special committee, or ask for volunteers for temporary projects such as ACES.
eSpatiallyNewYork: Has the Association ever approached the State to support/fund statewide capture of oblique (i.e., Pictometry/Eagleview) imagery?
Harris: No we have not, although it’s a great idea. There is a state senator trying to pass legislation for a cycle bill in which she suggests updating imagery and access to it. We currently have access to oblique imagery in both Chenango and Madison Counties.
eSpatiallyNewYork: With regard to data sharing – the conflict of “giving” digital assessment/tax parcel data away vs. “selling it” continues. A mix across the state. Does the Association have a position on this?
Harris: My personal position, I have no problem giving the information for personal use but anyone who wants it for commercial and financial gain should pay for it. We as an association do not have a position on this. Chenango County offers a subscription service for the data while Madison County sells tax parcel data in file format.
eSpatiallyNewYork: Do you anticipate any RPSV5 or any mapping items to be part of the Association’s 2019 Legislative Agenda? Revisions to 9NYCRR Part 189?
Harris: We are working on our agenda and so far nothing on either issue though revising Part 189 would be a great idea. The maps are cumbersome and in all three of my offices I am running out of places to store them. I could mention this to our legislative chair and see if it is something we may be able to add to the agenda or suggest to one of the Senators we work with.
eSpatiallyNewYork: How are assessor’s “automating” in-field assessment work? What are some of the new technology tools?
Harris: I think when we get ACES there will be much more opportunity to work with the program in the field as it will be mobile friendly and able to incorporate oblique imagery. There are also digital tools to measure and draw new construction. I know quite a few Assessor who solely use pictometry and the measuring tool on there.
eSpatiallyNewYork: I see that you reference Josette Polzella on the President’s Page. She was an early and vocal advocate of GIS in Westchester County going back to the late 1990s. Tell me about your relationship with her.
Harris: Josette, was one of my very first mentors. She was a wonderful person always willing to help and go the extra mile to help. We moved away from the Hudson Valley in 1988 and we lost touch. We found each other on Facebook in around 2009 or so and picked right up where we left off. She sponsored me to take the IAO exam in 2010 and was there when I was installed – it meant the world to me. The world is a lot less bright without her in it.