Assessor candidates focus on technology, customer service

FAYETTEVILLE -- Russell Hill, the Republican incumbent, will face Democrat Carol Waddle in the general election for Washington County assessor.

The assessor oversees duties including appraising property values that are used to calculate taxes. Early voting begins today for the Nov. 8 general election.

Waddle said residents should elect her and make a change. The county can always run more efficiently, she said.

"I want to make sure we are adaptable and ready to change as times change," Waddle said. "I'd say every day to myself and my staff: 'What can we do today to make us better than what we already are?'"

Hill, who has served one term, said he wants to continue to focus on technology and staff training -- something he said he has been doing that is saving the county money. He said he has saved the county $500,000 by renegotiating contracts and has stayed under budget.

The county is involved in pilot projects that create software to increase customer service and efficiency, Hill said.

"We are leading the way in the state. We are tops in the state of Arkansas and, in some cases, the nation."

Waddle plans to increase technology in the office. She said she wants to focus on public outreach, transparency in government operations and customer service overall. Waddle pointed out she has worked in some form of real estate for years, including as a mortgage lender.

"I feel like my background and experience will lend itself to being assessor," she said.

Hill has completed certification for the highest-level of assessment administration recognized in Arkansas, he said.

"I have experience; I have the credentials," he said. "I've been faithful in my service to the people of the county. We've been doing an excellent job."

Hill said he is working on installing software next year that will combine information from his office's assessments to create a map several county departments can use. The mapping software will identify road needs, find trends in construction and navigate emergency routes, for example, he said.

The software also will allow staff members to upload property transactions immediately instead of at the end of the day, which will help people dealing with real estate, he said.

Waddle said she wants to emphasize customer service, which includes improving website services and making sure staff members receive updated training. The office also should make an effort to educate the community about the services it offers, she said.

"I think getting the word out that the options are available and keeping staff trained will be an imperative," Waddle said. "We are there to serve the residents of Washington County. It's a job, sure, but it's a job where you are elected to represent all the residents of Washington County."

Hill said he has opened a new office inside the Arkansas Revenue Office in Fayetteville and hired a part-time employee to help cut down long lines in Springdale, he said.

"We serve more people face to face on a daily basis than any other office in the county," Hill said.

He said new technology in his office allows residents to scan and save documents in their own accounts. The scanned documents, such as car titles, cut down on errors and improper taxation, he said.

The county also implemented a program to find residents claiming multiple Homestead tax credits. The program helps people avoid being fined or having too many credits they must then repay, he said.

Waddle said she has a servant attitude that would work well with the Quorum Court. Open communication with justices of the peace is key, she said.

"Everybody's got to compromise," Waddle said. "You will never get anything done if you don't compromise."

Hill said his relationship with the Quorum Court is good.

NW News on 10/24/2016