County Assessor

To be considered for the position, applications must be submitted by July 10, 2024.

The County Assessor is responsible to administer the ad valorem property tax system to ensure a uniform and equalized assessment of all property in Wadena County and is accountable for all departmental functions and operations in accordance with County Board policies and Minnesota laws, statutes and guidelines.

Tax System/Management Duties And Responsibilities

• Administers the ad valorem property tax system: Manages and maintains valuation and classification records for the county, determines policy and procedures and provides direction to staff in assessment and estimates of the market value of properties.
• Determines market conditions based on sales ratio studies, appropriate location factors, depreciation, classification, quality and size and equalization using statistical analysis.
• Reviews building permits and new construction to determine effect on property values.
• Calculates tax estimates as requested by property owners.
• Supervises and oversees the conduct of sales ratio studies and the development of assessment schedules.
• Manages property tax court petitions: Negotiates with attorneys and tax representatives, prepares for and testifies in tax court proceedings, defends valuations and classifications, and collaborates with County Attorney.
• Administers property tax exemptions and property tax abatements.
• Exchanges data with other local and county assessors and the Commissioner of Revenue in order to promote a uniform assessment and review of assessments.
• Prepares, presents and implements the department’s budget.
• Prepares, submits and maintains reports to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Coordinates with other departments and vendors on projects
• Establishes and conducts Boards of appeal and equalization.
• Develops land & building manuals.
• Processes property transfers, splits, and combines in TAX & CAMA systems.
• Responds to taxpayers on concerns of valuation and classification.
  
  

Supervisory Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages and supervises all department appraisal and support staff including recruitment and selection, scheduling, work assignment, performance evaluation, training and counseling, performance improvement plans, discipline, and other personnel related actions.
• Delegates and monitors work assignments to ensure compliance with guidelines, statutes and department policies and procedures.
• Interprets, reviews and advises staff regarding laws and policies.
  
  

Ancillary Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepares special projects for the County Board.
• Maintains knowledge of current tax laws, appraisal principles and practices for local real and personal property markets and construction costs.
• Attends training/educational sessions, meetings and seminars to keep current on legislative and regulatory changes and best practices.
• Attends and represents the county at local and county board of appeal and equalization.
  
  

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of property appraising theories and principles.
• Knowledge of Wadena County administrative policies and procedures.
• Significant knowledge of property tax laws and Department of Revenue requirements.
• Knowledge of construction materials and methods.
• Considerable knowledge and skill with statistics and applied mathematics.
• Skill in conducting sales ratio studies and the analysis and development of assessment schedules and staff guidelines.
• Knowledge of personnel management practices and procedures.
• Skill in developing administrative procedures and record management functions.
• Skill in property inspection and reading construction blueprints, surveys and maps.
• Skill with automated taxation systems.
• Skill in managing and evaluating employees.
• Skill operating computers and relevant software.
• Skill in reading and interpretation of legal descriptions.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with staff, officials, property owners and the general public.
• Ability to formulate strategic direction in keeping with the overall organizational mission.
• Ability to perform work involving many complex and significant variables, requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures and methods to fit unusual and complex situations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts to achieve organizational objectives.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Requires a four-year degree in Business Administration or related field; and
• Six years relevant work experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience; and
• Current Minnesota Accredited Assessor License and ability to acquire Senior Accredited License within six months of hire.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License or evidence of mobility.
  
  

Equipment and Tools

• Office equipment and technology
• Assessment equipment
• County vehicle
  
  

Physical And Mental Requirements

This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is prolonged exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field. Exposure to aggressive animals, hostile property owners, inclement weather, temperature extremes, uneven terrain and construction sites, insects and plants. Travel is required to other facilities, agencies, meetings and training.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.