Cass County approves new tiered assessment contracts to offset HB1176 mailing costs

The Cass County Commission voted to approve restructured assessment agreements that will take effect in 2027 and move most jurisdiction contracts to an annual renewal cycle. Matt Stanger, the assessor’s presenter, said increased operating expenses tied to recent legislative changes require the shift and described a tiered per‑parcel fee schedule: “Our per parcel rate, for tier 1 residential is $4 per parcel for the first 200 parcels, then $8 per parcel for the next 300 parcels, and then everything over 500 parcels is $13 per parcel. And then all commercial parcels will be at $26 a parcel.”

Stanger said the changes respond to new mailing requirements imposed for assessment notices and primary residence credit notifications and that most jurisdictions will see some increase to reimburse the assessor’s office for costs. The assessor also said prior contracts ran on a three‑year cycle but the new approach will renew annually so adjustments can be made each year.

Commissioners asked whether the changes will have a net budget impact for the county and were told the office had budgeted for the 2026 cycle and that final fiscal impact will be evaluated for 2027. The commission moved and approved the assessment agreements on roll call.

Why it matters: the new fee schedule reallocates assessment administrative costs to the jurisdictions served by the assessor and formalizes annual contract renewal to allow quicker adjustments in response to statutory changes.

Next steps: staff and jurisdictions will review contract schedules and the assessor will monitor budgetary impacts for 2027.