Rawlins County approves amended appraiser appointment after department concerns

Rawlins County commissioners on June 16 approved a revised resolution governing the county appraiser’s appointment and work arrangement after several department heads raised concerns about the original proposal.

Department heads Corey Castens, Chris Niermeier and Megan Rippe told commissioners they were concerned about the resolution as drafted; Jen Hurst asked that the county explain a recent wage study. County Attorney Chris Rohr explained the wage study process used in Thomas County and commissioners asked departments to compare wages against counties with similar populations (Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Logan, Sheridan and Trego).

Rohr and Appraiser Alicia Baumfalk negotiated the changes the board accepted. Under the approved terms, Logan County will reimburse Rawlins County for 50% of medical, dental and vision insurance costs for Baumfalk; Baumfalk will work a two‑day minimum in Rawlins County and will provide a schedule of days she will be present; and Baumfalk will receive four equal payments covering accrued sick and vacation time. Commissioner Mark Mosley moved to approve the resolution with those changes and Commissioner Lincoln Pochop seconded; the motion carried.

The change was presented as a compromise to retain appraiser services while recognizing that Baumfalk will have responsibilities shared with Logan County. The board did not specify dollar amounts for benefits or the long‑term schedule for in‑county coverage at the meeting; commissioners instructed departments to compile wage comparisons with the listed similar counties for future reference.

The board did not record a roll‑call vote count in the minutes beyond noting that the motion carried. The next regular meeting of the Rawlins County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for July 1, 2025.