Charles R. Winston

Responsibility: Winston leads the office that maintains real estate and business property tax records for the Bessemer Division. Owners must report changes such as a purchase, an addition, a new address, or a different use of the property.

Who may be affected: Homeowners, buyers, and business owners rely on these records when their property is assessed for taxes. Outdated ownership or property information can cause confusion about a tax bill or exemption.

Details: The county says filing a property assessment with the office is free. It also provides tax maps, tax estimates, and information that helps residents locate recorded deeds.

Limits of the office: Jefferson County's Board of Equalization handles real estate appraisal and disputes about market value. That is separate from maintaining assessment records and applying exemptions.

Jefferson County: Bessemer assessor duties and services
Jefferson County: property values and the Board of Equalization

Responsibility: His office handles applications for property tax exemptions. A homestead exemption is a tax break for an eligible owner who lives in the home. Additional exemptions may apply to older homeowners or people with a permanent and total disability.

Who may be affected: Homeowners, including retirees and people with disabilities, may qualify for a lower tax bill. The amount depends on the exemption and eligibility rules.

Details: The county says residents must claim exemptions through the office. Some require proof of age, disability, or income, and annual renewal. An exemption is not automatically applied just because someone becomes eligible.

Limits of the office: State law sets the exemption rules. The office handles applications under those rules rather than deciding who should receive a new tax break.

Jefferson County: applications and required documents
Alabama Department of Revenue: homestead exemption rules

Responsibility: His office handles business personal property assessments. This means records for equipment, furniture, and fixtures used in a business, not just the building or land.

Who may be affected: Small-business owners and larger employers must account for property covered by these rules. Owners or their accountants must file a return each year.

Details: Clear instructions can help owners understand what to report. Accurate records also help the county apply tax rules consistently across businesses.

What remains unclear: The sources reviewed do not document Winston's plans to change this process or provide results showing faster service or fewer filing errors.

Jefferson County: annual business property assessments