Commissioners table outside valuation study after budget concerns; ask appraiser to try in-house analysis

Commissioners discussed a proposal from an external consultant (Equitable Solutions) to review valuation methods for large-acre parcels and possibly adjust influence factors that affect taxable value. The consultant's fee (quoted in the session) prompted skepticism given tight county finances: "The county has no money," one commissioner said, urging caution about spending on an external study at this time. Several commissioners worried an adjustment that reduces values for large parcels would mathematically reallocate tax burden to smaller owners unless carefully crafted.