Nemaha County Board Looking For Vehicle For Assessor's Expanded Role In Appraisals

AUBURN  - Nemaha County commissioners said they are dealing with a growing  fleet of inoperable vehicles at Wednesday’s meeting, but promised a dedicated vehicle for the assessor’s office.

Board Chairman Bryan Mellage noted that Assessor Mallory Lempka took over appraisal work in 2016, saving the county up to $125,000 a year.

Mellage: “We would very much like to stay in house with the appraisal. It’s a big savings of money and we appreciate that you’ve done that and we applaud you saving that kind of money for the county.”

Lempka described complexities of appraisal work and said it is frustrating that she seems to be constantly scrambling to find a county vehicle available. She said she needs to know a vehicle is available when she organizes part-time help.

Lempka: “I have to plan this. Because, when we do bigger houses and things like that, I take three people with us, because not only do you have to measure the house, you have to sketch it, you’re taking photos, talking to the homeowner. It gets to be a lot of pieces.”

 Mellage said two new patrol vehicles are on order and the county board recognizes something needs to be done to deal with worn out vehicles.

Mellage: “One of the things we’re fighting at this level is – just because of the reality of it – we’ve allowed too many of our vehicles to get way too many miles. We’re in the process of purchasing a minimum of four vehicles.”

Commissioners said they expect to dedicate a vehicle for the assessor once the new law enforcement vehicles arrive.

Nemaha County is expecting delivery of two new vehicles now that the six-week General Motors strike is over, but county commissioners are looking for even more cars for the expanded role of the assessor’s office. Dan Swanson has the story.