Tax administrator proposes restructure; commissioners approve appointments and budget transfers

Tax Administrator Sherri Wilkins told the board on Jan. 3 that the Tax Office needs restructuring to address increased workloads and to improve efficiency. Wilkins said she is coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and the UNC School of Government and presented a draft organizational chart reflecting a proposed promotion of Darlene Harrison to Deputy Tax Administrator and creation of two positions: a Land Records Specialist and a Delinquent Tax Collector. Wilkins said she prefers to implement the changes before the Tax Office converts to new software and that the Land Records Specialist would address GIS-related work to reduce contract needs.

County Manager Potter asked about typical Tax Office structures in neighboring jurisdictions and where GIS would sit; Wilkins replied that the Land Records Specialist would assume those responsibilities. Wilkins said the proposals are subject to change after further review with DOR and SOG and did not present final job descriptions or salary lines at the Jan. 3 meeting.

Separately, Clerk Julie J. Bennett presented a slate of board and committee appointments: Commissioners appointed Melinda Porter to the Albemarle Commission at-large seat, re-appointed Gail Spiewak as the Senior Tar Heel Delegate, and appointed Bobby Brown to fill the unexpired term on the Washington County ABC Board. Finance Officer Missy Dixon presented budget transfers and amendments that had been omitted from the packet due to an email issue; the board approved the transfers and amendments as presented.

Commissioners scheduled a budget workshop for Jan. 23–24 and recessed to that date; the board later went into closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-318.11(a)(3),(4) and (6).