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Wapello County supervisors back plan to share employee between Assessor and Planning & Zoning
Summary
At a work session April 21, 2026, Wapello County officials discussed creating a shared employee for the Assessor’s Office and Planning & Zoning, with Assessor Travis Kaster proposing a $20,000–$30,000 annual transfer to cover salary; the board agreed to advertise the role and draft a memorandum of understanding.
Wapello County officials discussed a plan at their April 21, 2026, work session to create a single shared employee to serve both the Assessor’s Office and the Planning & Zoning department. Assessor Travis Kaster proposed transferring about $20,000–$30,000 annually from the assessor’s budget to cover salary and related costs and said the new hire would gather information for both departments and work under a written policy and job description.
Kaster said he would help in the field to ensure staff collect the information needed and estimated the total annual cost would be “probably $30,000” depending on benefits. The meeting noted building activity has increased—“Last year we had 6 building permits, and we have around 20 right now”—including remodels and new construction, and that permit fees (some in the thousand-dollar range) are a source of revenue the county can use to offset the position’s cost.
Staff discussed wages and benefits for the shared position. The board considered a wage range of $32–$33 per hour depending on experience and training. Miranda Vailey (Zoning) and Travis Kaster agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two departments would be appropriate; they said they plan to have the MOU recorded with the local Recorder’s Office.
County staff decided to advertise the position immediately. Officials also discussed equipment and fleet needs: providing a county computer and phone so the employee can manage contractor calls and preserve safety and scheduling control, and retaining a truck previously slated for sale to support fieldwork.
There was no formal vote on adopting the shared-staff proposal during the work session; the conversation ended with direction to advertise the position, draft the MOU, and schedule follow-up meetings to finalize costs and contract details. The session was convened and later adjourned by procedural motions recorded in the meeting minutes.
