Ever since he was elected in 1994, Santa Clara’s County Assessor Larry Stone has been getting booed when introduced at public events. This is how our outgoing assessor was greeted at last Wednesday evening’s Jazz on the Plazz. The boos began just after emcee Jonathan Knowles announced his name. As Stone began to stand up, the boos grew louder. Stone waved gaily at the crowd. Those in the know, knew that this has been happening for quite a long time—and booed the loudest.
Years ago when the booing first began at public functions, Stone’s wife Carmen asked him “What are you going to do about all those boos?” Stone answered her with, “I am going to encourage them. Every assessor needs a schtick, being booed is now mine.”
And so it stuck for over 30 years.
Who really likes to pay property taxes?
In the beginning it was not well intentioned, as his wife originally thought. Stone’s schtick (referring to a gimmick; sometimes spelled shtick—from the Yiddish word shtika; related to the German Stück, “piece”) has been one of his endearing trademarks.
Imagine an assessor’s office with quality customer service as well as a “can do” attitude.
Stone assessed property accurately and in a timely manner.
And, he did it with style.
His dedication to accurate, timely and respectful assessments carried through to his staff.
Those in his office display these same qualities.
The core job of assessing the taxable value of property is not usually a recipe for popularity. Who likes to pay taxes? Stone understood this. Santa Clara County’s assessment office has consistently scored an above a 90% customer service rating. Stone, despite the boos—or maybe in answer to the original boos—has held onto his principles.
During Stone’s tenure, the property assessment roll grew from around $115 billion to around $700 billion. His office has continually introduced new technology systems, and the annual assessment roll always comes in on time.
A 500% increase
Stone oversaw significant changes in property valuation practices during his tenure.
Stone weathered the Great Recession, and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic period.
His office deals with some of the brightest minds of our generation—all seeking to navigate the programs he instituted to ensure property taxes are calculated accurately.
Stone is the longest serving elected official in Santa Clara County, and the assessor with the longest tenure since Lewis Spitzer left office in 1912.
Stone’s ability to correctly assess and collect property taxes has helped to shape Silicon Valley.
‘It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Santa Clara County’
—Larry Stone, County Assessor
After 30 years of assessing Larry Stone knows what it takes to be a good assessor:
“The role requires someone capable of managing an eight billion public enterprise and an assessment roll of more than $726 billion, overseeing a $55 million budget, and leading a team of 251 employees,” he said in his retirement announcement.
During Stone’s tenure, his office saw a 500% increase in the assessment roll and only added one person to the staffing levels.
He managed to return more than $35 million to the County’s General Fund.
Why bow out now?
Now in his early 80s, Stone will be stepping down July 6. Assistant Assessor Greg Monteverde will serve in an acting capacity beginning July 7.
Monteverde will hold this position until an election is held to fill the 18 months left.
Stone says he didn’t want to depart without leaving the County with a final upgrade:
(Courtesy County Assessor’s Office)
“I am happy to announce that after a long request for proposal (RFP) process, that the Board of Supervisors approved the new system contract on June 17,” he said, of the assessment management app meant to replace the current four-decades-old software.
“I just knew that I couldn’t leave until this critical project was moving forward. Now with this new system ready to implement and the successful completion of my thirtieth assessment roll close, the timing feels right to step down.”
Stone adds that he’s been fortunate to have staff that are skilled, knowledgeable and hard working.
“When I first took office, I could not have imagined the journeys ahead. My private sector real estate and business experience prepared me for success in the efficient and effective management of the Assessor’s Office,” he said.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Santa Clara County.”
As Larry Stone was booed at last Wednesday’s Jazz on the Plazz evening, he rose with a smile.
Stone is also known as a flamboyant dresser and “a very good dancer” per local Joann Rogers.
We bid Larry Stone a fond adieu with the loudest Booooooooo that we can muster.
Thank you for your service in making it almost a pleasure to pay our property taxes—almost.
