Gregg County, Texas, with a population of about 127,000, relies heavily on accurate and detailed aerial imagery for property appraisal and management. Mark Cormier, the Chief Appraiser for Gregg County Appraisal District, has been with the district for over two decades, having transitioned from a long career in the Navy, through the County’s appraisal system, and to his current role. Gregg County initially partnered with EagleView for their aerial imagery needs nearly 15 years ago when Mark was the Deputy Chief Appraiser, and the partnership lasted for many years with great satisfaction.
In their role as prudent stewards of county funds, Gregg County Appraisal District regularly evaluates their options to ensure they are utilizing the most up-to-date and costeffective technology available. Although they were satisfied with the quality and service provided by EagleView, it was their responsibility to explore other possibilities that could enhance their operations and provide better value for taxpayers.
So, when a competing provider approached Gregg County Appraisal District with an attractive offer, the proposal warranted serious consideration. The competing provider’s presentation was slick and highlighted potential cost savings and technological advancements that appeared promising. Tempted by the promise of frequent updates and significant savings, Gregg County Appraisal District decided to switch providers.
However, the switch quickly proved problematic. The quality of their new provider’s imagery did not meet expectations, suffering from glitches, red tints, and an overall lack of clarity. Additionally, their software tools were insufficient, unreliable, and nearly unusable, causing frustration among the appraisal staff. Despite numerous attempts to address these issues with their new provider, the problems persisted, leading to significant dissatisfaction.
Recognizing the need for reliable and high-quality imagery, Mark decided to return to EagleView. He contacted their representative, Kevin Beers, and discussed options for a more cost-effective, long-term partnership to manage costs while still benefiting from the superior quality and reliability of EagleView products.
The decision to return to EagleView quickly proved beneficial. The appraisal staff experienced immediate improvements in the clarity and reliability of the imagery, significantly enhancing their ability to perform accurate property assessments. The high-quality tools and features provided by EagleView’s software further streamlined their workflow, reducing the need for on-site visits and improving overall efficiency.
Mark’s experience underscored a crucial lesson: while cost savings are important, they must be weighed against the quality and reliability of the product. To avoid similar issues in the future, Gregg County Appraisal District now ensures they conduct thorough evaluations, including requesting trials of new software and technology. This approach helps them make informed decisions that balance cost-effectiveness with the high standards necessary for their operations. As Mark noted, “You get what you pay for,” and the partnership with EagleView continues to meet and exceed their expectations, providing a reliable, top-tier solution for their appraisal needs.
“ It’s not even worth what we’re paying for it. Yeah, it’s half the price, but it’s not even half as useful. I didn’t hesitate to go back to EagleView because I knew I was getting a high-quality product. ”
Mark Cormier, Chief Appraiser, Gregg County Appraisal District
Gregg County Appraisal District’s return to EagleView highlights the value of dependable, high-quality products in property appraisal. The lessons learned from their experience emphasize the importance of thorough evaluations and trials when considering new technology. By prioritizing both cost savings and quality, Gregg County Appraisal District ensures they make decisions that benefit their operations and their community. Mark’s experience serves as a testament to the importance of opting for partners who offer consistent, top-tier performance, avoiding those whose quality is not nearly as high.
