It’s going to cost local residents and Realtors a bit more to close on a sale of a split property.

The county board approved a $50 fee for assessing the taxes on split properties — or projected property taxes if a section of land was sold.

Previously, the Assessor’s Office estimated the property taxes on such land splits for free as a service to taxpayers. The office isn’t required to estimate splits because property taxes must be paid in full before a land transaction is completed.

The county has no use for the splits, according to Assessor Rich Peterson.

“It is just a courtesy that we go ahead and do for the closing companies and so forth to make sure that they have a number that is fairly reliable,” Peterson said.

Commissioner Jerry Reinartz, who works in appraisals, said it typically takes about an hour to assess a split, though more complicated ones take more time.

Reinartz said the $50 fee is fair.

“I think it’s a bargain,” he said.

Jeremy Carolan, owner of Carolan Homes, described the board’s decision as new taxes.

“A fee is a tax,” he said.

While the amount won’t be detrimental, Carolan said it’ll be a new burden on the public.

“It will be passed on to homeowners,” he said.

Peterson originally recommended a $30 fee per split. He also recommended that cost rise to $45 if a party didn’t give three working days notice.

But Commissioner Ray Tucker, who is on the Finance Committee, said dual fees would make it more difficult, and $30 wasn’t enough. Tucker recommended $50.

Since the service isn’t required for the county, Tucker said the fee was necessary, essentially since employees have to put regular work on hold to assess the splits. Real estate agents can’t assess the property tax-effect of splitting a property on their own.

The office will charge $50 per split, so it will cost more if there are multiple parties splitting a property multiple ways.

The board will send a memo to real estate agents saying the change will take effect Oct. 1 and that they must request split information at least three days before the numbers are needed.

Peterson said often times Realtors or companies will request a fee soon before it’s needed, which forces employees to set aside their own work. Tucker said he hopes the fee will reduce late requests.

“Their lack of planning does not mean hardship for us,” Tucker said.

Employees insurance plan comes into focus

The county board approved a new vision insurance plan for employee to buy eyeglasses.

Though the plan will be through the county, employees will have to completely pay the insurance.

Assessor’s office renews website

The board renewed the contract with Vanguard Appraisals for the office’s website, which is used by real estate agents to find property values and other information.

They plan to enter into a five-year contract, which will end up saving the county over the long run.

Veteran Services moving upstairs

Veteran Services is moving on up — upstairs, that is.

The office — currently located across from the county board room downstairs in the government center — will move upstairs to a space near the assessor’s office in the old interpreters office.

Commissioners said they hope the new space is more accessible to aging veterans.