VALENTINE, Neb. - The Cherry County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 19 to interview candidates for the county assessor position. At their last meeting, commissioners expressed optimism about one applicant, Melissa Bancroft.

“I was happy she has applied. She seems very qualified,” Commissioner Martin DeNaeyer said.

“She appears to be qualified, but I would like to meet her for an interview,” Commissioner Mike McConaughey said.

The urgency stems from current Assessor Jackie Moreland’s resignation, effective Sept. 10. According to Nebraska’s State Property Tax Administrator, Sarah Scott, the county must appoint a replacement within 45 days of the vacancy.

“If the position isn't filled within that time frame, the state may step in with a temporary acting interim,” Scott informed the commissioners.

The special meeting will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Cherry County Courthouse's commissioners’ meeting room.