Codington County Approves Temporary Appraiser Assistant to Keep Lake Kampeska Reappraisal on Track
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Commission on Tuesday approved a new temporary position in the Director of Equalization Office to help keep the county’s reappraisal schedule on track following a recent staff resignation.
Director of Equalization Shauna Constant told commissioners that one of the county’s appraisers left for a job in Brookings last month. Because new appraisers must attend the Department of Revenue’s annual training school — held this year in September — Constant said hiring and certifying a full‑time replacement immediately would be impractical.
Instead, she proposed creating a seasonal, part‑time Appraiser Assistant position to help measure properties, accompany appraisers to appointments, and support the ongoing Lake Kampeska reappraisal. The role requires no certification and can be filled by applicants as young as 16.
“This is just going to be a temporary position through the summer,” Constant said, noting that one remaining appraiser will also be out for six to eight weeks due to surgery. “We just need someone to help measure the houses so we can get the reappraisal done.”
The position will be placed at pay grade AA, with a starting wage of $18.68 per hour, and will include no benefits. Constant confirmed the office has room in its budget to absorb the cost, which is significantly lower than hiring a full‑time appraiser.
Commissioner Tyler McElhany moved to approve the job description, hiring authorization, and advertising in a single motion. Commissioner Lee Gabel seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
