Madelia workshop reviews county assessor's 3% rate increase and budget impact

At a Madelia workshop, town officials reviewed a notice about a county assessor fee increase of 3% tied to the existing three‑year contract and discussed budget implications and the option of hiring a different certified assessor. A commissioner said the notice arrived in the mail and that town staff had been informed the contract adopted in 2023 would next affect assessments beginning in 2027.

Why it matters: Staff told the council the assessment line item in the general fund currently holds roughly $16,000–$17,000 per year. Using the town's parcel estimates (about 950–975 taxable connections), staff projected the annual invoice would be in the mid‑$15,000 range under current counts; a consistent 3% increase would raise those future costs proportionally. A staff member cautioned that switching to an independent assessor from another county would require a certified assessor and could create inconsistencies across the town's parcels.

Details from the workshop: The workshop discussion established these points: the three‑year contract was approved in 2023 and is scheduled to remain in effect through the next contract period; the fee structure is a flat per‑parcel rate regardless of whether a parcel was re‑inspected that year; and parcel counts are used to calculate the town's budgeted amount. One commissioner summarized the choices as either placing the matter on an upcoming agenda for formal approval or tabling it for further budget review.

Next steps: Staff said they will verify line‑item availability at year-end when final numbers are in and can place the contract renewal on a future agenda if commissioners choose to act. The council did not take a formal vote on the contract during the workshop.