Jackson County executive announces new management team, will absorb 6% employee health-insurance increase and pursue 15% commercial assessment cap

County Executive Loboda introduced members of his new executive team and outlined early administration priorities, saying Jackson County will absorb a 6% rise in employee health-insurance costs and pursue a 15% cap on steep commercial property assessment increases.

Loboda introduced Lauren Powell as his assistant, Teresa Garza as chief of staff and Steve Arbo as county manager. "For the first time, I got to meet the full leadership group," Arbo said, describing his initial meetings with department heads and asking colleagues for patience as he transitions from city to county government.

Loboda told the legislature the county negotiated with its insurer and will not pass the full premium increase on to employees. "The county is gonna absorb that 6% increase, ensuring that no added burden on our employees," Loboda said. He said staff and his office considered alternatives such as splitting costs with employees but decided to pay the full increase.

On property taxes, Loboda said he will use authority under the county charter to identify commercial parcels with very large value increases and to cap assessment increases at 15 percent for eligible properties. He said the county will suppress bills sent on Nov. 15 for properties under review and instead send letters notifying owners that the county is reviewing their assessment for possible adjustment. "You don't have to do anything," Loboda told property owners; he warned the timeline is tight and staff are "playing catch up" but will work to resolve issues in the coming weeks.

Loboda also reported on a county Parks and Recreation event, Dogtoberfest, and said 5,200 people attended and the community collected 6.2 tons of dog food for area shelters, exceeding the 5-ton goal.

Legislators asked for clarifications. Legislator Manuel Abarca asked whether the senior freeze remains unchanged; Loboda replied the senior tax-freeze program continues and homeowners over 62 must still apply to receive credits. Legislator Donna Payton asked how taxing jurisdictions will be informed about the commercial assessment cap; Loboda said the administration plans to communicate and work with other taxing entities to avoid unintended consequences.

The announcements were statements of administrative policy and direction; no formal vote was taken on the county executive's decisions during the meeting.

Looking ahead, Loboda said he will attend and be available to the legislature at future meetings but does not have a vote in the chamber.