Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessor Gis Appraiser topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lawrence County creates GIS/professional appraiser position in assessor’s office
Summary
The Lawrence County Salary Board approved Resolution 22 to create a GIS/professional appraiser position at a $45,000 base salary with a $3,500 increase after Pennsylvania CPE certification; transition follows chief assessor J.R. Harister’s planned private‑sector departure and names Bruce Peterson as likely successor.
The Lawrence County Salary Board on March 13 approved a new GIS/professional appraiser position for the assessor’s office, setting a $45,000 base salary and a $3,500 increase once the employee attains Pennsylvania CPE certification.
The position was proposed as part of a planned leadership transition in the assessor’s office after Chief Assessor J.R. Harister announced he will leave for the private sector. The board discussed creating the role to maintain mapping and valuation capacity while keeping the office’s headcount stable.
The new hire will be responsible for geographic information system (GIS) duties and property appraisal work once certified. “GIS is mapping on steroids,” said J.R. Harister, Chief Assessor, describing the expanded mapping tools the office expects to use. Harister and Bruce Peterson, a long‑time assessment staff member, told the board the position is intended to allow data collection and mapping work to begin immediately but that the individual cannot finalize property valuations until they receive state certification.
The board discussed training and certification requirements. Harister said the CPE process requires four weeks of classes, exams for each class and a state exam; certified appraisers must then complete 28 hours of continuing education every two years. The final certification is issued by the Department of State after recommendation from the state board of certified real estate appraisers, Harister said.
Commissioners and the controller praised Harister’s 20‑plus years of service and said they expect a smooth transition to Peterson, who has served in the office for approximately 23 years. The board was told the new position will not increase the assessor’s office personnel count or require additional budget appropriations; the controller said funds are available within the existing budget to fund the position.
The board voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 22. All voting members present voted yes.
The item follows earlier executive‑session discussion about personnel and is expected to be presented formally at an upcoming commissioners meeting for appointment of Bruce Peterson as chief assessor.
