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York County delays decision on filling county assessor vacancy; deputy to remain in post temporarily
Summary
The York County Board of Commissioners postponed action on appointing a county assessor and asked the county attorney to draft an employment contract; deputy assessor Tammy will continue managing day-to-day work while statutory and compensation questions are resolved.
The York County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 6 postponed a final decision on filling the county assessor vacancy and asked the county attorney to prepare an employment contract and legal guidance before the board acts.
The board discussed whether Tammy, the newly sworn-in deputy assessor, should be appointed as county assessor for the remainder of the term after the prior assessor retired. Commissioners raised statutory questions about certification, the board’s 45-day window to fill vacancies, and whether the appointment should include a retroactive or temporary pay adjustment. No final appointment was made; the board moved and approved postponing the matter until its Sept. 20 meeting to allow legal review and contract drafting.
Tammy (deputy assessor) told the board she lacks some computer rights in the county’s Vanguard postcard program and that she is coordinating with Vanguard and state officials to ensure postcards and other statutorily required notices can be sent on time. Commissioners acknowledged practical constraints in the assessor’s office—postcard mailings and levy-setting deadlines—and sought assurance the deputy has access to the systems needed to meet statutory timelines.
Commissioners said they want a written employment contract similar to a prior temporary appointment used for another county office and flagged compensation as a separate question. One board member noted precedent from earlier temporary appointments and suggested staff research whether a retroactive salary adjustment would be appropriate if Tammy is appointed for the remainder of the term.
The board’s clerk confirmed the county must act promptly to meet assessment and postcard deadlines; several commissioners said staff and Vanguard had indicated they could complete the postcard mailing and that state-assessor offices and peer counties might provide technical help.
Next steps: the board formally postponed the appointment and requested the county attorney draft a contract and provide statutory guidance; the item will return to the agenda on Sept. 20 for further action.
