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Osage County appoints Michelle Rook interim county appraiser amid backlog and staffing concerns
Summary
The commission approved a resolution appointing Michelle Rook as interim county appraiser and authorized a notification to the state after the resignation of Matthew Booker. Rook told commissioners she faces incomplete work and training needs following her predecessor's departure.
The Osage County Commission on April 8 approved a resolution appointing Michelle Rook as interim county appraiser and approved a notification to the director of property valuation informing the state of the resignation of county appraiser Matthew Booker.
Commissioners moved and passed Resolution 2025-09, appointing Michelle Rook as interim county appraiser. The commission also approved the required notification of county appraiser change to the director of property valuation to record Matthew Booker’s resignation.
Rook addressed the commission during discussion and described operational disruptions she said followed Booker's departure. She said certain hearings and April 15 deadlines may be difficult to meet without further state assistance or additional staff. "I feel like he left us in a bind," Rook said, adding that she has tried to follow prior guidance but found tasks incomplete when Booker left. Rook requested timelines and clearer direction and said she had begun contacting state officials and local former staff for help and guidance.
Commissioners read a provision in the paperwork discussed at the meeting noting that, "in the event of a vacancy, the Board of County Commissioners may appoint an interim appraiser with the approval of the director of property valuation for a period not to exceed 6 months." Commissioners discussed the need to notify the state and to use the interim appointment while Rook completes necessary training and while the county fills gaps in the appraiser's office.
Rook said some training and credential steps (RMA and appraiser classes referenced in the meeting) remain and that scheduling and hearing coverage will require coordination. She reported contacting state staff and local experienced former employees to get short-term assistance and requested that the county board help arrange necessary contacts.
Next steps: the board approved the interim appointment and the notification to the director; the notification will be sent to the state property valuation director for final approval of the interim appointment. Commissioners asked staff to assemble timelines for tasks that require state involvement and to plan for six-month renewals or additional steps as needed.
