Wisconsin Real Property Listers Association

In order that Wisconsin Real Property Listers may demonstrate their willingness to assume the responsibility of giving uniform and accurate information to all the taxpayers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Real Property Listers hereby present the following declaration of policy to justify the creation of a state-wide association.

That the taxpayers of Wisconsin are dependent upon the efficiency of real property description departments in determining the accuracy of real property descriptions upon which their individual assessment and tax bills are based.

For the efficient operation of such departments, it is the duty of all such agencies to devote their highest cooperative efforts to establish uniform and accurate methods in the property description field.

In order to achieve these purposes it is essential that an association be created which will provide the means to keep abreast of new developments in this field and the means to act cooperatively with other agencies active in this work both at the state and local level.

ARTICLE I - NAME

This organization shall be known as the Wisconsin Real Property Listers Association.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

To furnish a medium for statewide coordination of activities and operations of real property description.

To develop uniformity in keeping current all real estate transfers in order to produce up-to-date assessment rolls, tax roll and bills.

To provide means to assemble, disseminate and emphasize new developments and methods in the property description field for the improvement and efficiency of service to the taxpayers of Wisconsin.

To cooperate with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and with local officials to provide accurate assessment rolls, tax rolls and tax bills, as it pertains to ownership and description.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Regular membership in the Association shall be comprised of county and/or municipal personnel performing duties directly related to real property listing.

Associate membership in the Association shall be comprised of any person or firm having an interest in the advancement of or service to the Wisconsin Real Property Listers.

Sustaining membership in the Association shall be comprised of any commercial or professional institution or individual interested or engaged in the manufacture or marketing of equipment or information relevant to the Purposes and Objectives of this association and have the right to advertise in the newsletter.

Honorary Lifetime membership shall be awarded to any individual having been a member continuously for a period of at least ten consecutive years prior to the date of retirement (as defined by the Wisconsin State Retirement System).

ARTICLE IV - VOTING

Each county and/or municipality that is a regular member of this Association shall be entitled to one vote which shall be cast by the duly appointed delegate. Associate, honorary and sustaining members are not eligible to vote.

Absentee ballots will be accepted from regular members of the Association whose dues are paid and who are unable to attend the Annual State Meeting. Absentee ballots are to be received by the chairperson of the Nominating Committee five (5) days prior to the upcoming Annual State Meeting.

ARTICLE V - DISTRICTS

The territory from which the membership is drawn shall be divided into five districts comprised of counties and the municipalities therein as follows:

DISTRICT 1 to included 14 counties; Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, and Washburn.

DISTRICT 2 to include 15 counties; Brown, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Landglade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Shawano, Vilas, and Waupaca.

DISTRICT 3 to include 14 counties; Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marathon, Monroe, Pepin, Portage, Trempealeau, and Wood.

DISTRICT 4 to include 14 counties; Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Lafayette, Marquette, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, and Waushara.

DISTRICT 5 to include 15 counties; Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago.

ARTICLE VI - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates for the offices of President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Nominations shall also be accepted from the floor.

When more than one candidate is nominated for an office, election shall be by written ballot.

Officers shall be elected by a majority of the voting delegates.

ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS

The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, President-elect, a Secretary and a Treasurer to be elected at large from the eligible regular membership of the Association, and five Vice-Presidents, one elected from each district by the eligible regular members of said district.

The Association shall be governed by the Board of Directors, comprised of the President, President-elect, five Vice Presidents, (one from each district), Secretary, Treasurer, and the immediate Past President.

All officers shall be elected for a one-year term except the Secretary and Treasurer who shall serve a two-year term. The Secretary shall be elected in the even years and the Treasurer shall be elected in the odd years.

The Board of Directors shall have general management of the affairs of the Association between annual state meetings.

ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS

Meetings of the Association for the formulation of its policies, receipt of reports and transaction of business shall be held annually.

The Board of Directors may authorize and call the district meetings upon the request of the Vice-President representing such district.

The Board of Directors may call special meetings of the Association at such time and place, as they may deem necessary.

ARTICLE IX - QUORUMS

The affirmative vote of a majority of the regular member delegates present and voting at any regular or called meeting shall be sufficient to carry any motion or resolution before the Association, Board of Directors or in a Committee.

ARTICLE X - SEAL

The official seal of the Association shall be:

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

The Constitution may be amended at any annual state meeting by a 2/3rds vote of the regular members present and voting. Any proposed change in the Constitution shall be given to the President in time for the President to present such changes to the executive board of approval. Any proposed change in the Constitution shall be included in the call for an annual state meeting.

By-Laws may be amended at any annual state meeting by a majority vote of regular members present and voting. Said amendments shall be in writing and submitted to the Annual State Meeting Committee no later than 60 days prior to the annual state meeting for inclusion into the call for the annual state meeting.