Property assessor requests trucks, cites permit growth and upcoming Windows 11 upgrade

Property Assessor McGuire asked the Washington County Board of Commissioners to approve vehicle purchases for the assessor's office, citing heavy field‑work demands during and after recent flooding and rising permit and construction activity.

McGuire said field operations during the flood showed a need for trucks rather than small cars, explaining that prior vehicles could not reach some affected areas. He said the assessor’s office expects to capture roughly 1,000 new properties in the coming appraisal cycle and that permit volumes are up—Washington County recorded 262 notice‑of‑completions plus 90 flood permits in the period cited—and Jonesboro and Johnson City also showed increased permitting.

McGuire told commissioners the reappraisal line shows a larger percentage increase because a deputy hired midyear last year was budgeted for only 32 weeks; the FY‑26 request reflects a full 52‑week cost. He also noted an upcoming IT requirement: county computers will need to run Windows 11 after October because Windows 10 support will end.

Why it matters: vehicle availability, field capacity and software compatibility affect the assessor’s ability to complete reappraisals and to process building and flood permits; the office tied equipment needs to recent disaster response and to measurable permit increases.

Discussion vs. decision: commissioners asked about vehicle timing and whether one vehicle would suffice; McGuire said the office was originally approved for one vehicle last year and is requesting two this year to meet field demands. No purchase was approved at the workshop.

Ending: The assessor will provide further details on vehicle pricing and timing for budget decision‑making in later sessions.