Palm Beach County Property Appraiser to Present Property Values Estimate at Economic Forum

May 15, 2012 - PRLog -- West Palm Beach, FL --- Local government budget-watchers are sure to be well-represented at the next luncheon of The Economic Forum of Palm Beach County on Tuesday, May 22nd, when the featured speaker will be Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits. For Nikolits’ topic will be his annual estimate of property values, used by the county and its 38 municipalities to set budget and tax rates for the coming year.

Nikolits will present a detailed overview of proposed property values for both residential and commercial real estate markets, and a lot could be riding on what he has to say, depending on whether the numbers appear to be heading north or south.

For example, the county recently reduced its budget shortfall estimate from $30 million to $15 million because of several factors, including a Sheriff’’s Office budget proposal that came in at far less than expected, and a sharp reduction in the amount of money the county will have to contribute to its employee pension plan. If Nikolits’ estimate is positive, the shortfall estimate could be lowered even more; but if it’s negative, it would have the opposite effect.

Economic Forum president Rebel Cook said that, “Mr. Nikolits is always an engaging speaker, and his spring visit has become an annual tradition for us, but we anticipate this year’s presentation even more than usual.”  A veteran commercial real estate broker, Cook said that she and many of her colleagues are eager to hear whether Nikolits thinks that the market has finally bottomed out.

Nikolits has a lengthy career in public service. He began his appraisal career in 1974 as an employee with the office he now heads. First elected Property Appraiser in 1992, he is currently serving his fifth term. He also previously served as a Commissioner on the Health Care District of Palm Beach County Board
of Directors, and as a member of the Riviera Beach City Council.

Held at the iconic Kravis Center in downtown West Palm Beach, the Economic Forum event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a brief meet-and greet session, followed by the luncheon. The cost is $40.00 for members and $55.00 for non-members, and reservations must be made and paid no later than May 18th.

For more information or reservations contact Rebel Cook at 561-622-9920 or rebelcook@rebelcook.com.


The Economic Forum of Palm Beach County was established in 1991 to foster better understanding of local and regional economic and business issues and their relationship to economic prosperity at all levels. Its 250 members include economists, real estate brokers, appraisers, attorneys, architects, planners, builders, bankers and elected officials. For more information about The Economic Forum, contact president Rebel Cook at 561-622-9920 or visit www.economicforumpbc.com.