Lee County staff warn of assessor vacancy in Dixon Township and possible county workload if unfilled

Lee County assessment staff told the executive committee July 10 that Dixon Township will have an assessor vacancy beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and that the township board must appoint a replacement, or the county will assume assessment duties. Nut graf: Jennifer Boyd, from the county assessment office, said the current Dixon Township assessor, Doug Farley, did not run for reelection and will not continue. Staff discussed the workload and billing implications if the county must perform township assessment work. Details from staff: Boyd said township tax books were due June 15 and that Dixon Township had not yet submitted their books. She said she met with Dixon Township board member Dave Fritz and that the township board will consider next steps. Boyd described the certification requirements for township assessors: candidates must meet the same certification she holds (the transcript referenced a required certification and coursework and a two‑year background in the field). She added that county staff would assist the township but warned that taking on Dixon Township assessing would be a “significant burden” on the county office. Statutory note: Boyd told the committee that “statutorily, it will fall on the county to do the assessment work if the township does not find someone to do it.” Committee members confirmed the county could bill the township for the work but that it would increase the county office’s workload. Next steps: Boyd said she will continue discussions with Dixon Township and may speak with the township board to help find a plan before Jan. 1, 2026. Ending: The committee recorded no vote on the issue; it was discussed as an operational matter and staff follow‑up was requested.