Richmond Township board discusses assessor problems

Patricia O’Neal, the newly elected assessor, was present in the audience. O’Neal will not take over the office until January 2006.

Township Board Supervisor Tamara Valentine-Garza expressed her concern that Metz does not have enough help to handle the job in the light of the number of new houses being constructed. Valentine-Garza would like Metz to put O’Neal to work on his staff or someone else with appropriate credentials. “New construction is our immediate concern,” said Valentine-Garza.

O’Neal said she called Metz to discuss the situation. “Carl is not ready to get up to speed right now. He said not right now but not at the last minute either.” O’Neal emphasized that Metz was very cordial on the phone and he seemed pleased to talk with her.

O’Neal said she is interning for the position in McHenry with no salary. She took courses to obtain the credentials she needed to run for the assessor position.

The board is in a difficult position if it wants to assume control to make sure the assessments are completed by August. Board attorney James Kelly said that the board is not technically in control of the assessor’s office. “The assessor’s records are under his care and control,” said Kelly. “You could try to get mandatory injunctive relief to get a new assessor. But Kelly said that option could present some problems for the board. Valentine-Garza said she is definitely against that idea.

Referring to County Assessor Donna Mayberry’s reluctance to get involved Kelly said, “I am not sure why the County Assessor is not willing to step up to the plate on this issue.” The county receives some state aid if McHenry County’s office performs well.

The board decided to send a certified letter to Metz to ask for his cooperation in the matter. The letter will specifically request that Metz hire at least one assistant.

The board went into closed session to discuss a complaint filed by David R. Gerais’ Office about Metz’s legal fees. Before the closed session Valentine-Garza said that Metz paid the retainer for the attorney himself and that no line item expenditures had been entered for that purpose.

Metz will be encouraged to attend the next board meeting in June but he is not required to do so.