Staff writer
Marion County Appraiser’s Office will be required to convert to a new computer system by March 5, 2009.
County appraiser Cindy Magill and the county commission had hoped the state would postpone the changes until later in 2009.
Currently the appraiser’s office uses a CAMA system to classify land parcels. A test model will be in place for a year to give employees a chance to be trained.
The computer system will change to a Windows-based PC system.
Employees currently are standardizing addresses so multiple files won’t be created for the same parcel.
Office staff will be reduced when training begins because training will take place in Topeka.
Magill said Harvey and Butler counties also received letters, informing them of the March 5 start date.
The commission was concerned about the conversion because larger counties in the state had converted several years ago but continued to keep dual records because of the “bugs” in the new system.
The final conversion will be in 2010 with the county producing values from the new system in 2011, Magill said.
In other department business:
- Magill reported there was a county resident who wanted to apply for the neighborhood revitalization program but failed to do so prior to construction of an addition. Commissioner Randy Dallke said he was in favor of granting this exception because the homeowner was told by a contractor that it would be all right to begin work before obtaining a building permit. The homeowner found out about the county tax rebate program when he obtained a building permit. The commission agreed and granted the exception.
- Magill requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.