The county assessor briefed the board on technology risks in the assessor’s office and the need to budget more for contracted appraisal work. Staff said the county currently runs an AS/400-based property system that the state has promised to replace, but the timing and funding remain uncertain; the assessor presented a contingency for new parcel-management software and an AS/400 server replacement if the state-provided solution does not materialize.

The assessor also described exceptional appraisal workload driven by a surge in new construction and commercial permits. A contract appraiser reported roughly $75,000 of billed work not covered by the current year budget, leaving only a small remaining budget balance; staff and commissioners discussed whether to transfer funds this year and how to set next year’s contract figure. Staff recommended increasing next year’s budget for appraisal services substantially (discussed figures included $219,000 and higher scenarios up to $250,000–$300,000 depending on projected workload) to avoid compliance risk.

The board asked about alternatives: (1) wait for state software (which staff said may happen but is not guaranteed); (2) participate in multi-county cost-sharing for a new system; or (3) budget for standalone commercial software and higher local implementation costs. The assessor noted that the state upgrade could take years due to data conversion complexity and limited state IT capacity; staff said they will monitor the state decision and recommended budgeting for a possible local option as a contingency.

Ending: Commissioners instructed staff to return with a recommended appropriation for contract appraisal services next year, and to continue coordinating with the state on the software timeline and costs for the assessor’s office.