07/01/91 B

This is the second supervisory level in the Property Appraisal series and the first supervisory class of the Railroad and Pipeline Appraisal program area. The single position in this class is responsible for the direction of the Commonwealth's real and personal property tax assessment program of rail systems and pipeline companies. It supervises and conducts appraisals of real property used operationally by railroad, private rail car, and pipeline transmission companies operating in the state. Assessed valuations and usage are supplied to affected localities so that each locality may assess its share of the value of the companies and apply its local tax rate. This class is distinguished from the Railroad and Pipeline Appraisal Specialist by its responsibility to oversee the railroad and pipeline appraisal function, draft policies, and select and construct formulas and methodologies for identifying usage and assessing the value of railroad and pipeline properties. It is distinguished from the Property Appraisal and Classification Supervisor by the latter's responsibility for supervising the department's consultative appraisal services to local governments for all other properties.

Complexity of Work: Performs supervisory work of considerable difficulty in the appraisal of property owned by railroad, rail car, and pipeline companies for tax assessment. Develops policies and constructs formulas and methodologies for assessing the value of railroad and pipeline properties based on capitalization of income, analysis of stock and debt, and analysis of original cost adjusted by depreciation. Presents and defends agency methodologies and findings in state and federal litigation proceedings. Explains applicable laws and appraisal methodology to local government officials and representatives of companies operating in the state. Manages the distribution of appraisal data to localities for ad valorem tax assessment. Develops and administers a budget for the railroad and pipeline appraisal program.

Supervision Given: Provides direction to a professional staff of Railroad and Pipeline Appraisal Specialists who determine the value of operating real property and rolling stock.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from a State Tax Assistant Division Director (Property Tax) or other agency administrator.

Scope: Oversees the statewide program that assesses the value of operating real property of railroads, the rolling stock of rail car companies, and the real property of pipeline companies.

Impact of Actions: Valuations affect the tax assessments of railroad and pipeline properties located in the respective local government jurisdictions and the level of revenues generated through state and local taxes. Decisions could cause substantial costs to the taxpayer, local and state governments through court judgments, or the inequitable assessment and distribution of tax revenues.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with representatives of railroad, freight car and pipeline companies, and state and local government officials for the purpose of acquiring information relating to operations, explaining and defending assessments, and discussing matters in appeal or litigation. Infrequent contact with General Assembly members, officials of other states, media representatives' and the public to seek information and respond to inquiries.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of property appraisal; laws and practices governing appraisal, assessment, and usage of railroad and pipeline property; corporate business practices; and financial analysis. Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data from a wide variety of sources, weigh facts analytically, and arrive at logical and legally supportable conclusions; to develop and implement property appraisal formulas; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local government authorities and corporate officials.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, economics, engineering, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in the field of property and resource appraisal.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, formerly titled Railroad and Pipeline Appraisal Manager, was revised by the Department of Taxation in July 1991.