A group of concerned citizens packed the Cass County Board of Supervisor’s Board Room Wednesday morning, to express their disappointment in the Board’s vote with regard to the re-appointment of Cass County Assessor Brenda Nelson. The Board was one of three governing agencies (The School Board and Mayors, being the others), to vote 2-1 against re-appointing Nelson as Cass County Assessor for a six-year term beginning January, 2016. The vote not to reappoint her was held during the Conference Board’s meeting last Thursday night.

Before opening up the public comment portion of the Board of Supervisor’s meeting, Board Chair Frank Waters…who is also chair of the Conference Board…announced he would not take comments with regard to the Assessor’s reappointment. That left the audience frustrated, but the discussion still turned toward the Assessor’s matter. One of those who spoke was Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones, who called for another meeting of the Conference Board because he wasn’t able to attend Thursday’s meeting. Waters told Jones in essence, he should have been there, and Supervisor Mark Wedemeyer agreed.

One of those in attendance was upset the Supervisors would not take comments on the Nelson matter, and questioned their reasoning. Waters explained they are two separate Boards. He said those comments can be taken at the next Conference Board meeting, which is typically held twice a year and has not yet been rescheduled.

Waters said the Conference Board can hold a special meeting before Nov. 1st, if there are enough written comments to the Board Chair (Waters) requesting the meeting. One of the comments from local realtor Melissa Ihnen, was with regard to the posting of notice about the Conference Board meeting, so members of the public can attend. Wedemeyer explained the notice is posted by Nelson in the entryway to the courthouse, but not made available to the local media unless it is specifically requested.

Afterward, each member of the local newspaper and radio stations, including KJAN, went on record and requested Conference Board Chair Water provide notification of those meetings. If and when another meeting of the Conference Board is scheduled in the near future, we will let you know, here on KJAN.