Staff realigned to handle assessment appeals

LOCK HAVEN -True to their word, the Clinton County commissioners are realigning county staff to help handle the influx of property assessment appeals.

The commissioners Thursday temporarily assigned Brenda Johnson, a computer system support specialist in the IT Department, to help the Assessment Office, effective Sept. 2, with no change in salary.

Earlier this month, the commissioners took a strong stance against hiring Wes Graham, project manager from Manatron Inc., for $29,000 for 40 days of work helping with the reassessment appeals, or $725 a day.

However, Commissioner Joel Long noted the large amount of appeals means the Assessment Office needs extra help.

"We can't not recognize the fact there are 600 more appeals than what was originally estimated, and she will be able to come over to help," he said.

Temporary Appeals Administrator Richard Morris reported the county received 1,892 formal appeals, well over the 1,200 that were anticipated.

In other business, the commissioners:

- Heard from Commissioner Tom Bossert state Rep. Mike Hanna is requesting the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources help with Trout Unlimited's effort to clean abandoned mine drainage in area waterways.

- Approved $1,473 in liquid fuels funding each to Castanea and Chapman townships. The Castanea Township funding will go toward roadway base repairs and micro-surfacing. Money to Chapman Township will go for overlay on School House Road and a bridge repair.

- Announced county offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.