DOR seeks rent-free space in Big Horn County to keep local assessor on-site

County officials told the board the Department of Revenue (DOR) has asked for space in the county to place an employee so that local residents can access assessment services without traveling to an out-of-county office.

A county official described contacts with the DOR and urged commissioners to consider rent-free space in the courthouse or Heritage Building to retain the assessor identified in the record as Virginia. The presenter said the state will supply furniture, wiring and network access but commonly expects counties to provide space rent free. "They're asking for square footage and whatnot if we do find a spot because they need to draft a lease for us," the presenter said.

Speakers warned losing a local assessor could reduce tax capture for the county because the assessor finds untaxed improvements and properties. County staff said privacy and lockable file storage are required for shared offices if the DOR asks to colocate with other state functions; commissioners asked staff to survey possible spaces and work with the DOR on a lease.