Bylaws

BYLAWS of the Alabama Chapter of the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS

Revised in 2025
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ARTICLE 1. General Provisions

SECTION 1.1 Name

The name of this organization is the Alabama Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers, referred to hereinafter as the “Chapter.”

SECTION 1.2 Jurisdiction 

The Chapter shall encompass the State of Alabama.

The purpose of The Chapter is the advancement of the objectives of the IAAO in the State of Alabama, to develop professionalism in assessment administration, to raise the standards of the profession, to gain recognition by governmental authorities of the assessing profession, to gain for members’ recognition as qualified, objective, and unbiased assessors of property values.

The Chapter shall also work to educate the public regarding the ad valorem system and work to provide a clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of useful information relating to assessment practice; and in every proper way to promote justice and equity in the distribution of the tax burden.

SECTION 1.3 Membership 

Active membership in the Chapter is available to individuals interested in promoting professionalism in assessment. Chapter officers must be members in good standing of International Association of Assessing Officers, referred to hereinafter as “the Association.”

By Joining the Chapter, each member agrees to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

ARTICLE 2. Chapter Officers

SECTION 2.1 Chapter Officers

The governing officers of the Chapter shall include the following positions: President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Education Coordinator, Immediate Past-President, two elected Executive Committee members, and two Chapter IAAO Representatives.

(A) The following Chapter Officers shall be elected by the membership to one-year terms:
– President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Executive Committee members.
(B) At the conclusion of their one-year term, the President-Elect shall automatically become President of the Chapter, and serve in such position for an additional one year term.
(C) The Education Coordinator and the two Chapter IAAO Representatives shall be appointed by the President of the Chapter for one-year terms. The same individuals may be re-appointed to additional one-year terms by a succeeding President or Presidents. The Executive Board must approve each individual appointment to  these positions.
(D) At the conclusion of their one-year term, the President of the Chapter shall automatically become the Immediate Past-President, serving in that position for an additional one-year term.

SECTION 2.2 Executive Committee 

(A) The Chapter governing officers meeting as the Executive Committee shall be the Governing Body of The Chapter and assume voting responsibility after being sworn in at the annual meeting.
(B) The Executive Committee shall be composed of the following: President, PresidentElect, Secretary, Treasurer, Education Coordinator, Immediate Past President, two elected Executive Committee members, and the two Chapter IAAO Representatives.
(C) All Executive Committee members shall take the Oath of Office at or before their first board meeting.
(D) All members of the Executive Committee must be Regular Members in good standing of the Association.
(E) Any Governing Body member, or committee chair, at the end of their term, shall turn over all records that have been their responsibility to the incoming member.

SECTION 2.3 Executive Committee Voting

(A) Two-thirds of the voting members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
(B) A majority vote of the voting members of the Executive Committee is necessary to approve any action of the Executive Committee.
(C) Voting by the members of the Executive Committee can be taken by telephone, email, or other means of communication. A non-in person vote must allow all participants to communicate with each other. If taken by email all participants’ communication must be forwarded to the entire Executive Committee to be valid.

SECTION 2.4 Duties of The Chapter Officers

The Chapter Officers shall have the following duties and responsibilities as defined in these procedural rules:

(A) Duties of the President
1. Presides at Chapter Meetings and at Executive Meetings.
2. Performs all general administrative duties for the Chapter.
3. Serves on the Budget Committee.
4. Notifies the candidates and the Governing Body of election results and posts the results at the annual meeting.
5. Appoints the chair, members of all committees, and any vacant positions at the beginning of their term, as approved by the Executive Board.
6. Appoints new members to the Joint Education Committee of the Department of Revenue Professional Advisory Education and Training Program each August, as approved by the Executive Board.
7. Following their term, the President shall automatically become the Immediate Past-President, serving in such position for a consecutive one-year term.

(B) Duties of the President-Elect (formerly known as “Vice-President”)
1. Serves on the Budget Committee.
2. Becomes familiar with the needs and expectations of the membership and with the duties of the office of President by studying the Bylaws and closely working with the President on programs and policies that are consistent with the Association’s Constitution and these Bylaws.
3. In the absence of President, The President Elect shall exercise all the powers and duties of the President during the President’s absence or inability to act.
4. Following their term, the President-Elect shall automatically become the President of the Chapter, serving in such position for a consecutive a one-year term.
5. The President-Elect must serve on the Joint Education Advisory Committee.

(C) Duties of the Immediate Past-President
1. Provides counsel and advice to the Executive Board members and facilitates the continuation of actions and programs of the Chapter.
2. In the absence of President and President Elect, the Immediate Past President shall exercise all the powers and duties of the President.
3. Serves as the Chair of the Nominating Committee.

(D) Duties of the Secretary
1. Notifies the general membership of regular meetings and notifies the Governing Body of special meetings.
2. Keeps the minutes of each regular and special meeting.
3. Prepares annually a list of all Chapter members, officers, and Governing Body members and submits it to the Association’s Executive Director or other designated staff no later than ten (10) days after the Chapter’s annual meeting.
4. Prepares annually a list of all Chapter members, officers, and Governing Body to distribute to the membership of the Chapter.
5. Certifies any amendments to Chapter Bylaws, after adoption by the Chapter membership and delivers them to the Executive Director of the Association.
6. Oversees the creation of a quarterly newsletter and distributes to the Chapter membership and Executive Director of the Association.
7. Maintains social media presence and website.
8. Notifies the Association of Chapter election results and appointments.
9. Notifies the IAAO Representatives in the chapter’s jurisdictional area of regular meetings.

(E) Duties of the Treasurer
1. Devises methods for the receipt and disbursement of Chapter funds, the keeping of accounting records and the auditing of such records, and the preparation and adoption of a budget to cover Chapter activities.
2. Prepares annually a report of Chapter finances to be presented at the annual Chapter meeting. The report shall include a statement of receipts, disbursements, and balances for the reporting year.
3. Prepares annually a financial report detailing the Chapter’s receipts, disbursements, and balances. The report shall be available to the Executive Director, or designated staff of the Association, and Chapter members upon request.
4. Ensures all necessary tax returns are filed.
5. The Executive Committee shall instruct the Treasurer as to disbursement of Chapter Funds that are outside of the current approved budget.
6. Serves as the Chair of the Budget Committee.
(F) Duties of the Education Coordinator
1. Makes an annual written recommendation for classes, location, and budget for possible IAAO courses to be offered by the Chapter for the year, which is then voted on and subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
2. Secures the instructor and makes arrangements for classroom facilities and equipment needed for any class (if any).
3. Handles all advertising and registration, including the collection of tuition and fees.
4. Delivers and retrieves all student learning materials and class supplies at the start of each class (if any).
5. Serves as the Chair of the Education Committee.
6. The Education Coordinator is a non-voting member of the Executive Committee. As such, this position may be filled by one of the current officers of the Executive Committee.

(G) Duties of the two elected Executive Committee members
1. Serve on the Executive Committee and assist the other Committees and officers with the administration of the Chapter as needed.
2. Act as representatives of the membership and speak on behalf of the current needs of the membership.
(H) Duties of the Chapter IAAO Representatives
1. Serve a one-year term beginning September 1st and ending August 31st.
2. Heavily involved in recruiting new members to the Association and reporting any issues and concerns of existing members in their local areasto the Executive Board and the Association’s headquarters. Such as:
• Encourage participation in the Association’s Awards Program;
• Encourage current members to renew their membership;
• Contact the list of expired members to inquire about renewal;
Submit quarterly reports to the Association;
• Attend quarterly Association Representatives conference calls;
• Encourage Chapter members to become candidates of the Professional
Designation Program;
• Communicate Association news and information to the Chapter;
• Report Chapter news and information to the Association’s headquarters.

QUARTERLY REPORTS:
1st report: Sept 1 – Nov 30 Report due Dec 31
2nd report: Dec 1 – Feb 28 Report due Mar 31
3rd report: Mar 1 – May 31 Report due June 30
4th report: June 1 – Aug 31 Report due September 30

ARTICLE 3. Election of Officers

SECTION 3.1 Nomination of Chapter Officers 

Nominations for elective office will be made by the Nominating Committee.  Notice of the election shall be given to Chapter members by the annual meeting notice.   

SECTION 3.2 Elections

(A) The Chapter Officers and Executive Committee shall be elected no later than the close of the annual meeting.

(B) Voting may be conducted by secret ballot mailed to the voting Chapter members, or by other electronic means.

(C) The ballots shall provide for write-in candidates.

(D) The results of the election will be announced at the annual meeting and the new officers sworn in.

(E) The Secretary of the Chapter shall certify and send the results to the Association.

(F) A plurality shall be sufficient for election to an office.

SECTION 3.3 Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in The Chapter officers will be filled by appointment by the President and approved by the Executive Committee for the balance of the unexpired term.

 
SECTION 3.4 Voting
The voting may be done by secret ballot mailed to the voting Chapter members, or by other electronic means. The ballots shall provide for write-in candidates.

 
SECTION 3.5 Voting – What if
In the event that the Nominating Committee selects only one candidate for each office and place to be filled on the Governing Body, the Chapter need not go to the expense of providing secret ballots to the membership. If such occurs, the voting may be done by voice vote at the annual meeting, or by other electronic means.

 
SECTION 3.6 Preparing the Ballots
It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary to prepare and distribute the ballots in a timely manner to ensure that all voting members have adequate time to respond.

 
SECTION 3.7 Counting Ballots
The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for counting/verifying the ballots and reporting the vote count to the Chapter President.

 
SECTION 3.8 Vote Tie
In the event of a tie vote, the winner will be determined by a Coin Toss.

 
SECTION 3.9 Notifying the Candidates
The Chapter President shall be responsible for notifying the candidates and the Governing Body of the election results and for posting the results at the annual meeting.

SECTION 3.10 Term of Office

Members of the Governing Body and officers may be elected for any length of office provided that no such term is less than from one annual meeting to the next annual meeting. There is no term limit on how many times someone can run for reappointments on the Executive Committee.

 
SECTION 3.11 Annual Elections
Elections are to be held annually. If the term of any elected position is for longer than one (1) year, the terms shall be staggered.

ARTICLE 4. Chapter Meetings

Chapter Meetings may be held by regular or special meetings.  Fifteen percent of Chapter members shall constitute a quorum at an annual or special meeting. 

SECTION 4.1 Regular Meetings 

One regular meeting will be held annually at the time and place specified by the Executive Committee at a time and place convenient to membership.  A 60-day notice of the annual meeting shall be given to the membership in writing, by email, or other electronic means. 

SECTION 4.2 Special Meetings 

Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee from time to time, by giving a minimum of 10-day notice to the membership in writing, or by email or other electronic means.  The notice shall state the time and place of the special meeting, as well as the purpose(s) for which the meeting is called. 

ARTICLE 5. Committees

SECTION 5.1 General Provisions
There shall be such standing and special committees as are deemed necessary by the Executive Committee to carry out the objectives of the Chapter. The Chapter President shall appoint the chair and members of the committees at the beginning of their term to serve for one year, but such committee members may be re-appointed by a succeeding President or Presidents. To qualify for a committee, an individual must be a member of the Chapter.
SECTION 5.2 Standing Committees
The following Standing Committees shall perform the functions specified:

(A) Nominating Committee
The Immediate Past-President shall serve as the Chair for the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall also include two other individuals appointed by the President of the Chapter.

1. The Nominating Committee shall propose a slate of candidates to serve on the Executive Committee to be elected as provided in these Bylaws.
2. The Nominating Committee shall report its selection to the Chapter Governing Body at a designated time prior to the Chapter’s annual meeting.
3. The Nominating Committee shall give sufficient time to permit adequate notification to the voting membership of the candidates and election date.
4. The Nominating Committee shall prepare and distribute the ballots in a timely manner to ensure that all voting members have adequate time to respond.
5. The Nominating Committee shall select at least one eligible candidate for each office and place to be filled on the Governing Body.
6. The Nominating Committee shall count/verify the ballots and report the results to the Chapter President.
7. Additional candidates may be nominated as write-in candidates on the ballots.
8. If more than two candidates are nominated for the same position, the candidate receiving a plurality of the votes cast shall be deemed elected.
9. Members of the Nominating Committee shall not be eligible for nomination to Executive Board or Executive Officer positions to avoid a conflict of interest.
10. The Nominating Committee must provide notification to all members of the Chapter so that anyone who wishes to be nominated can respond accordingly.
11. Special consideration should be given to finding nominations from counties of varying sizes and limiting the number of nominations that are made for members employed by the same organization to three people.
12. Special consideration should be given to finding nominations for the 2 Executive Committee members from opposite ends of the state. (North and South)
13. Other duties shall include reviewing Chapter members and if appropriate writing nominations for Chapter members for Association awards.

(B) Education Committee
The Education Committee shall be composed of as many members as the President deems necessary. The Education Committee shall research education needs for the Chapter and recommend possible IAAO courses to be offered to the membership.

1. The Education Coordinator shall serve as the Chair for the Education Committee.
2. Committee members shall assist the Chapter Education Coordinator in administrating, developing, promoting, and delivering/picking up class materials for the Chapter as needed.

(C) Budget Committee
The Budget Committee shall consist of the President, President-Elect, and Treasurer.

1. The Budget Committee shall annually review and edit the budget procedures, as well as determine the annual budget to be submitted to and approved by the Executive Committee for presentation to the membership at the annual meeting.
2. The Treasurer shall serve as the Chair of the Budget Committee.

(D) State Joint Education Committee
The State Joint Education Committee shall include five members of this Chapter who are members of both the Association and the Chapter.

1. On August 1st, the President shall notify the Director of the Alabama Department of Revenue of the new members appointed to the Joint Education Advisory Committee.
2. On even years, the President shall appoint two members to serve on the Joint Education Advisory Committee, and on odd years the President shall appoint three members to serve on the Joint Education Committee. The new members shall join the remaining members who were selected in the previous year and are completing the remaining year of their term.
3. The President-Elect must always serve on the Joint Education Advisory Committee and does not count as one of the President’s appointments.
4. The term for the Joint Education Advisory Committee is a period of two (2) years beginning on August 1st.
5. The President, when making the appointments to the Joint Education Advisory Committee shall strongly consider members who hold State Certifications and can represent the four State Certifications.
6. All five members of the Joint Education Advisory Committee appointed by this Chapter shall represent the interest of this Chapter, and work towards improving the professionalism and education opportunities in the State of Alabama. In addition, they are expected to represent the needs of the State Certification holders they represent on the Joint Education Committee.
7. The members appointed by this Chapter shall exercise good business judgment in their interaction with the other organizations also serving on the Joint Education Advisory Committee.
8. The Joint Education Advisory Committee meets quarterly in Montgomery, Alabama.

ARTICLE 6. Chapter Funds

SECTION 6.1 Chapter Funds 

The Executive Committee shall instruct the Treasurer as to the desired method for receipt and disbursement of Chapter Funds, including the keeping of all related records. The Executive Committee shall prepare and adopt an annual budget for presentation to the membership at the annual meeting. Membership dues shall become due within 30 days following the annual meeting and shall become delinquent on the 31st day following the end of the annual meeting. The Executive Committee shall prescribe appropriate remedies for handling delinquent dues. 

SECTION 6.2 Budget 

The Executive Board shall establish and maintain procedural rules for the annual budgeting process and fiscal operations of the Association including, but not limited to, periodic budget reports, handling of budget surpluses or overruns, and reimbursement for travel and expenses. 

SECTION 6.3 Tax Year 

The tax year for the Association shall be a calendar year. 

SECTION 6.4 Authorization to Sign Contracts 

Only the President or Treasurer are authorized to sign a contract that places liability on the Chapter after approval by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. 

ARTICLE 7. Amendments to The Chapter Bylaws

SECTION 7.1 Amendments to the Bylaws
Chapter Bylaws may be amended at the recommendation of the Executive Committee and approved by two-thirds of the votes cast. All members shall be notified in writing, by email, or other electronic means, at least 10 days prior to the meeting at which any proposed Bylaw changes will be voted upon.
SECTION 7.2 Amendments to By-Laws – After Adoption
Amendments to Chapter Bylaws, after adoption by the Chapter membership, shall be certified by the Secretary of the Chapter and delivered to the Executive Director of the Association. The Executive Director shall forward the amended bylaws to the Association’s Membership Committee for review.

ARTICLE 8. Miscellaneous

SECTION 8.1 No investigations or hearings of ethics complaint shall be conducted by the Chapter. All such complaints shall be forwarded to the Executive Director of the Association in accordance with Section 3.6.1 of the Association’s Procedural Rules.
SECTION 8.2 Any disciplinary action imposed by the Association against a Chapter member shall be binding on the Chapter. For example, if a Chapter member is expelled from the Association, that member shall also be expelled from the Chapter.
SECTION 8.3 The Chapter may publish a Chapter newsletter or other material provided that the published material: 

(A) clearly shows on its face that it was printed by the Chapter and not the Association;
(B) states the name of its editor or author; and
(C) contains no liable matter.

SECTION 8.4 The Chapter Charter may be revoked by action of the Executive Board at any time if in its judgment.

(A) The Chapter has violated any of the provision of the Association’s Constitution, Bylaws, or these Procedural Rules; or
(B) Cancellation will serve the best interest of the Association.

SECTION 8.5 The Chapter does not have authority to enter any contract which imposes liability on the Association.
SECTION 8.6 The Chapter or Chapter members shall not engage in any lobbying activities in the name of or on behalf of the Chapter or the Association.
SECTION 8.7 The Chapter shall not conduct any written test or demonstration of ability to be eligible for Chapter membership, voting rights, or right to hold office.

ARTICLE 9. Scholarship

SECTION 9.1 Robert McSwain Scholarship.
Robert McSwain (1925-1988) held the CAE, MIA, and SRPA designations and was employed by the Alabama Revenue Department serving as a supervisor of the Public Utility-Section. He was the 39th President of the IAAO in 1974, awarded the IAAO Clifford B Allen Most Valuable Member in 1970, John C Donehoo Essay Award in 1967, and the Verne W Pottoft Professional Designee of the year award in 1972.

(A) Purpose. The Robert McSwain Scholarship aims to expose recipients to educational opportunities associated with the field of property assessment and encourage them to become active members of the Alabama Chapter of IAAO.
(B) Eligibility. Applicants must be current members of the Alabama Chapter of IAAO.
(C) Benefits. Scholarship funds may only be utilized for IAAO designated classes and seminars held throughout the contiguous United States, covering the exact cost of course fee only
(D) Application Process. Applicants must fill out an application form available on the Alabama Chapter of IAAO website or by request to a Chapter Officer and submit it to the Education Coordinator for review. Scholarships may be awarded annually and are limited to one per applicant per year.
(E) Awarding Process. Scholarships will be awarded by a majority vote of the Executive Committee of the Alabama Chapter of IAAO, based on the criteria set forth in the application and as permitted by the annual budget.
(F) Reimbursement Procedure.
1. If the scholarship is awarded for a course or seminar sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of IAAO, the enrollment fee will be waived; an exchange of funds will not be necessary.
2. If the scholarship is awarded for a course that is not sponsored by the Alabama Chapter, the scholarship recipient will be required to pay for the course or seminar upfront, directly with the provider and request reimbursement through the Alabama Chapter of IAAO. Reimbursement will be issued upon proof of completion of the course.
(G) Budget Considerations. The total annual allocation for scholarship funds will be designated in the Chapter’s annual budget and may vary from year to year. All scholarship disbursements (cash and non-cash transactions) will be recognized in the annual budget. Once the budgeted amount has been allocated for a given year, no further scholarships will be awarded for that year.

ARTICLE 10. Dissolution

SECTION 10.1 Chapter Dissolution

If the Chapter is dissolved, or its charter is revoked, all Chapter funds shall be turned over to the Association after an audit of all outstanding debts are conducted and are settled.

ARTICLE 11. Diversity, Non-Discrimination Statement

SECTION 11.1 Diversity and Non-Discrimination

The Chapter shall provide equal access to membership and opportunity of leadership and programs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. 

ARTICLE 12. Alabama Chapter Endorsements

SECTION 12.1 Chapter Endorsements

(A) The Chapter will make endorsements of Association candidates who are seeking elected positions in the Association if a majority of the Executive Board approves such endorsement.
(B) The Chapter will not make any endorsements for candidates who are seeking elected positions within the State of Alabama.