Commissioners convene as board of equalization

Jake Keohen, Montgomery Messenger

The Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners convened as a board of equalization prior to its regular meeting Tuesday, June 13 at the courthouse in Le Center.

County Coordinator Roxy Traxler opened the hearing, with Commissioner Joe Connolly elected chairman and Commissioner Bob Culhane vice-chairman.

County Assessor Dave Armstrong made a presentation to the board and others present, covering proposed changes to the 2006 assessment of properties, determining ratios for cities and townships, county real estate estimated market values, ag land sales and assessments, ag valuations and averages, local board of equalization and appeal changes and growth in estimated market values.

Two residents of the county appeared before the board with questions on their property valuations. One parcel was reduced because it had restricted use, while the other, consisting of 160 acres, was in the unfortunate situation of being located near another site which sold for high dollars.

The board of equalization was recessed until Tuesday, June 20, when final approval will be given to any assessment changes.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting:

• County Coordinator Roxy Traxler reminded the commissioners to begin scheduling budget meetings. The preliminary budget must be submitted to the state by September 15.

• County Auditor Ron Germscheid said ditch liens will be on the agenda next week to clear up date on some additional ditches. The commissioners also discussed ditch benefits and the problem of property owners running tile into ditches and not paying their share of costs.

• Public Health Director Cindy Shaughnessy appeared before the board to discuss problems in hiring nurses at competitive rates. The board approved hiring a supervisor and moving two staff members up on the scale, and tabled proposed increases in salaries and a new job description for the department until further study is made.