VALENTINE, Neb. - Cherry County Assessor Jackie Moreland is resigning, effective Sept. 10. With the elected position soon becoming open, county commissioners met to discuss the next steps moving forward.

Nebraska’s State Property Tax Administrator, Sarah Scott, attended the meeting to inform commissioners about the requirements.

“The county needs to make an appointment within 45 days of the vacancy,” Scott told commissioners.

The new appointee doesn’t need to be a current resident of Cherry County but must relocate there upon assuming the position. Additionally, candidates must possess an assessor certificate from the Department of Revenue.

“We offer those assessor exams four times a year,” Scott said. “However, with a vacant position, you can request an emergency exam. We need ten days notice. It is a difficult exam, but what I suggest to anyone who is interested, they just take the exam to see what they know and what they don’t know.”

County Commissioner Martin DeNaeyer expressed concerns about quickly finding a qualified candidate.

“I am worried about what our application list may look like because of living in a rural area,” DeNaeyer said.

If commissioners don’t fill the vacancy within 45 days, Scott mentioned the possibility of appointing a temporary acting interim from the state’s office.

“We’ve done this a few different ways. There have been times we’ve sought reimbursement from the county to do this. However, if the travel and day-to-day work is minimal, we may be able to do it without costs,” Scott said. “We could discuss needs. We’ve had interims in the county on a regular basis or act remotely.”

Moreland’s resignation comes after being placed on probation due to compliance issues highlighted by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. As previously reported by News Channel Nebraska, her office also faced criticism for inaccuracies in recent property valuations in rural Valentine and agricultural areas.

“I have many ideas and plans for how I see the office continuing to improve and best equalize the county. As much as I want to be part of that future, I continue to battle health problems that have only worsened despite continual work with multiple practitioners. Prior to protest season it became clear that I need to prioritize my health,” Moreland wrote in a resignation letter.