HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01152013 - C.59RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE the County Counsel, or designee, to execute, on behalf of County, an amendment to
a contract with Baker & O'Brien, Inc., effective January 1, 2013, to increase the compensation rates for refining
industry consultants who provide services in connection with refinery property tax appeals and extend the term of the
contract until December 31, 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of this contract is paid through property tax administration fees, approximately half of which come from the
general fund.
BACKGROUND:
Baker & O'Brien, Inc. is a consultant for refinery industry analyses, and has been providing the County with
specialized consulting services with respect to the refining industry and refineries in defending actual and anticipated
assessment appeals, which challenge the valuations of the taxable property of refineries in Contra Costa County.
These annual appeals typically place several billion dollars of valuation in issue. Assistance is required because
valuations of refineries are highly technical, requiring specialized knowledge that only industry experts have. Baker
& O'Brien staff is presently assisting the County in an ongoing property tax appeal hearing in front of the Assessment
Appeals Board. The Assessor concurs with and supports this recommendation.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 01/15/2013 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Rebecca Hooley,
335-1800
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: January 15, 2013
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Carrie Del Bonta, Deputy
cc: David Twa, County Administrator, Robert Campbell, Auditor-Controller, Lori Koch, County Assessor's Office, Baker & O'Brien, Inc. via County Counsel
C. 59
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Sharon L. Anderson, County Counsel
Date:January 15, 2013
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the contract amendment is not approved, Baker & O'Brien, Inc. will not continue to consult for the County under
the current contract and there is an increased possibility of significant but presently unquantifiable impacts due to
adverse decisions by the Assessment Appeals Board on large refinery valuation disputes.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.