Bylaws of the Colorado Association of Tax Appraisers
Article One – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Colorado Association of Tax Appraisers (CATA).
Article Two – PURPOSE AND GOAL
The purpose of this Association is to promote the advancement of appraisal practices and techniques within the field of assessment and taxation. This shall be achieved through cooperation with the Colorado Division of Property Taxation and the Colorado Assessor’s Association.
The goal of this Association is to support the development of highly skilled appraisal professionals and to promote the attainment of professional education for qualified personnel.
Article Three – MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1 – Regular Membership
Regular membership shall be open to individuals employed by any department, commission, board, bureau, or agency of the State, County, or City whose official duties include the appraisal of real or personal property for ad valorem taxation purposes within the State of Colorado.
DPT classes are for current Assessors, assessors’ staff, and Division of Property Taxation employees only. Anyone else (including county hearing officers) must obtain permission from the office of the Property Tax Administrator to take a DPT class at any CATA conference.
Sec. 2 – Associate Membership
Associate membership shall be open to Assessors, the Property Tax Administrator, County Commissioners, tax agents of private companies, and professionals in fields related to or aligned with the interests of the Association.
Associate members may participate in regular meetings and have privileges of the floor but do not possess voting rights or other privileges related to the governance and operation of the Association.
Sec. 3 – Honorary Life Membership
Active members who retire from county service shall be granted Honorary Life Membership. These members shall retain all prior membership privileges, except the right to hold elected office.
Sec. 4 – Membership Retention
Former active members who leave office for any reason may retain membership.
Sec. 5 – Rules pertaining to Membership
Membership rules and qualifications shall be established and maintained by the Executive Board.
Sec. 6 – Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
All members shall uphold the mission of the Association and adhere to its established Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Article Four – OFFICES
Sec. 1 – Elected Officers
The officers of this Association shall include a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All positions shall be elected by a plurality vote of regular members.
- The President (odd year), First Vice President (even year) and Second Vice President (odd year) shall each be elected to serve two-year terms, with elections held in alternating years to ensure continuity
- The Secretary (odd year) and Treasurer (even year) shall each be elected to serve two-year terms, with elections held in alternating years to ensure continuity.
- All officers must be regular members of the Association.
Sec. 2 – Election Procedures
The election of officers shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures and guidelines established by the Executive Board.
Sec. 3 – Terms of Office
All officer terms shall begin upon adjournment of the conference during which they were elected. Officers shall serve until their successors have been duly elected and accepted the responsibilities of office. Officers, excluding the President, shall be available for consulting and conclusion of responsibilities for 60 days post-term. The President serves for one year as Immediate Past President.
Sec. 4 – Officer Duties
The duties of each officer shall be those customarily associated with their respective positions, as well as any responsibilities assigned by the Executive Board or outlined in other sections of these bylaws.
Sec. 5 – Vacancies
- A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the First Vice President.
- A vacancy in the office of First Vice President shall be filled by the Second Vice President.
- If both the President and First Vice President offices are vacant, the Second Vice President shall assume the office of President.
- In such cases, the positions of First and Second Vice President shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Board.
- Vacancies in all other officer positions shall likewise be filled by Executive Board appointment.
Sec. 6 – Change of Jurisdiction
If an elected officer changes their jurisdiction of employment during their term of office, they may continue to serve for the remainder of the term provided:
- They obtain the consent of their Assessor.
- They continue to meet the qualifications for regular membership, and
- Their continued service is approved by a majority of the remaining Executive Board members.
Article Five – MEETINGS
Sec. 1 - Annual and Special Meetings
The Association shall meet at least annually, or more frequently, at a time and place designated either:
- By the membership during a regular meeting, or
- By the Executive Board if no such designation has been made.
Special meetings may be called by the President upon request of the Executive Board.
Sec. 2 - Quorum
A quorum for conducting official business at any regular or special meeting shall consist of at least 20% of the regular members in good standing.
Article Six – THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sec. 1 - Composition
The Executive Board shall manage the affairs of the Association and shall be composed of the following eight or nine members:
- President (serves as Chair of the Board) must be current or prior board member
- First Vice President
- Second Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past President (1 year following last term)
- Three Members-at-Large elected by the regular membership
Sec. 2 – Governing Body
The Executive Board shall serve as the governing body of the Association.
It is empowered to pass any resolutions or bylaws it deems necessary to achieve the mission and objectives of the Association, provided such actions do not conflict with this Constitution or Bylaws.
Sec. 3 - Meetings and Quorum
The President shall preside over all Executive Board meetings and shall cast a vote only in the event of a tie.
A quorum for Executive Board meetings shall consist of no fewer than four (4) members.
Article Seven – FINANCE
Sec. 1 – Membership Dues
Membership dues shall be levied annually and may be included in the registration to the CATA conference.
Sec. 2 - Special Assessments
Assessments for additional funds necessary to support the Association’s operations may be levied only by a majority vote of regular members present at a regular meeting.
Sec. 3 - Non-Refundability
No dues or fees will be refunded to any member who voluntarily or involuntarily severs their connection with the Association.
Sec. 4 - Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Association shall coincide with the interim period between elections.
Sec. 5 - Financial Procedures
The Executive Board shall, by resolution or bylaw, establish a standard method for receiving, handling, and disbursing all funds of the Association.
All funds received from sponsorships shall be maintained in a separate checking account and shall not be commingled with the general fund or savings account.
Article Eight – AMENDMENTS
Sec. 1 - Voting Requirement
This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the regular members present, provided that a copy of the proposed amendment has been sent to each regular member at least 20 days in advance of the meeting.
Sec. 2 - Proposal of Amendments
Amendments may be proposed by either:
- An initiatory petition signed by no fewer than ten (10) regular members, or
- A resolution of the Executive Board.
Article Nine – RULES OF ORDER
All meetings and deliberations of the Association shall be governed by the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
The order of business shall follow the procedures outlined in Robert’s Rules unless otherwise directed by the Executive Board.
Historical Addendum (Optional Section – For Recordkeeping Only)
The following officers were in service at the time of adoption or amendment of these bylaws:
- A. Ferraro – President
- B. Early – First Vice President
- J. Redman – Second Vice President
- P. Patterson – Secretary-Treasurer
- R. Linnabary – Executive Board Member
- T. Oliver – Executive Board Member
- R. West – Executive Board Member
CATA Member Commitment
Let it be the pledge of each CATA member to dedicate themselves to furthering the principles and achieving the worthy objectives established by the Association’s founders.