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AUG 41982 50 Et Compensation Compensation for special masters is to be set by the PAAB and is to be paid in the same fashion as other PAAB expenses, i.e., 3/5 borne by the Board of County Commissioners and 2/5 by the School Board. Information from other counties having made use of special masters indicates that they are generally paid on an hourly basis, at a range varying from $40.00 to $60.00 per hour. This will vary, of course, depending upon market factors. Statutory Alternative Section 194.032 (9) of Florida Statutes provides the PAAB with a second means of obtaining expert assistance in evaluating complex petitions. This section provides that the Board may employ quali- fied property appraisers to testify as an expert witness at a given hearing, submitting to examin.&tion by.the Board, the taxpayer and the property appraiser. The'PAAB would still be required under this alternative to go through the full decision process, making all findings a fact and conclusions of law. Requested Action It is requested that the Board take these matters under considera- tion and come to some preliminary conclusion as to the desirability of using special masters. The final decision in this matterAs one that will be made by the full PAAB at its organizational meeting. This organizational meeting must occur not earlier than thirty days and not later than forty-five days after the mailing of the trim notices. If this Board determines to accept this proposal, the - Clerk should be requested to notify qualified applicants that opportunities for special masters' appointment exist. Property Appraiser David Nolte came before the Board and stated that if there were a large number of petitions to be heard by the Board, it could delay getting the tax bills out. He pointed out that a Special Master was an expert and would not be led astray. Mr. Nolte commented that using Special Masters was working very successfully in other counties. Lengthy discussion followed along those lines. Commissioner Bird stated that his main concern was that they have someone who has the ability to listen to the facts presented and make a fair determination to the Property Appraiser, his staff and to the petitioner; he believed Special Masters was an excellent idea: - fie continued that the Board did riot have to commit itself at this point, other than to the concept. Commissioner Bird stated that the Board could ask the Clerk to notify qualified applicants