In a special session held on November 8, 2024, the Morrow County Board of Commissioners addressed key operational needs within the Assessor's Office, focusing on staffing and training requirements. The meeting underscored the importance of ensuring efficient property tax processing during the busy tax season, particularly in light of recent turnover in the office.

Commissioners discussed the necessity of bringing back Patricia Hughes, a retired employee, to assist with the workload. Hughes had previously been budgeted to help during the current fiscal year but had not been utilized since June. With the upcoming tax season approaching, the board recognized the need for additional support to ensure accurate processing of property tax inquiries and revenue.

The proposal to hire Hughes on a temporary basis for up to 32 hours over the next four weeks was approved unanimously. Although Hughes's previous pay rate was $26.95 per hour, the county's hiring policy limited the new offer to a lower step. However, the commissioners agreed that given the short-term nature of the role and the critical need for her expertise, it was appropriate to approve her hiring at a higher pay rate.

Additionally, the board discussed the need for ethics and public meeting training for special districts, aiming to coordinate a session before the holiday season. This training is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential ethics complaints.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the temporary hire and a commitment to finalize training arrangements, reflecting the board's proactive approach to addressing community needs and maintaining effective governance.