City council goes with county assessing service

• City of Worthington

Worthington City Hall (Brian Korthals/Daily Globe)

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WORTHINGTON — Following its investigation into private assessors to save money, the Worthington City Council on Monday chose to continue using Nobles County for its assessing service.

The council voted 4-1 to accept the county’s original $104,700 proposal for property assessment, provided costs do not exceed that number for the next three years. The idea of “locking in” an assessment rate was presented recently by County Administrator Mel Ruppert, and won’t be approved or considered until the next county commissioners’ meeting.

Alderman Ron Wood voted against the measure after earlier issuing an unsucessful motion to accept the proposal from current Martin County Deputy Assessor Michael Sheplee. Sheplee presented a total proposal of $88,600 and had emerged as the favorite following the council’s Feb. 22 request for proposals (RFP).

Wood said while he was pleased with the county’s work, he didn’t like the idea of considering a “proposal that comes in at the 11th hour” because it did not fit with regular RFP procedure.

“I think our best interest is still to work with the county and try to keep (county) jobs going,” said Alderman Mike Kuhle, who issued the successful motion.

Alderman Lyle Ten Haken said he was concerned about Sheplee’s lack of a back-up plan if he were unable to perform his duties.

“That put me somewhat at unease. Based on the difference in price between the private folks that gave us a number, I like the security blanket of having some people at the county,” he said.

In other business, the council:

- Accepted the proposal from Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for construction phase services for the Ryan’s Road/Ray Drive/U.S. 59 improvement project. It also approved plans for the project and authorized the advertisement for bids subject to Minnesota Department of Transportation authorization. A cooperative construction agreement between the city and MnDOT was also approved.

- Approved plans for the 2010 bituminous pavement improvements project on Third, Ninth, Smith, Roos and Marine avenues, and Turner Street; alleys in blocks 12 and 30; and on Castlewood Drive; and authorized the advertisement for bids to be received and considered on May 24.

- Approved plans for concrete pavement improvements on First Avenue, and authorized the advertisement for bids to be received and considered on May 24.

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