12/2/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E BOOK 03 PAGE OW7 Commissioners to provide the space for the constitutional officers. This was done in the past and he believed we have participated in the process. Commissioner Macht saw no problem with the Tax Collector moving further south because he maintains north county offices. Commissioner Adams stated that there would be renovation costs associated with the Tax Collector moving into the Mall. Chairman Eggert pointed out that the Tax Collector would have to come back to the Board with the amount if he wanted the Board to participate in those costs. Tax Collector Karl Zimmermann came forward and expressed his appreciation to the Board for discussing the subject. The present configuration of his office in the Administration Building does not allow him to utilize the most efficient operation at peak times. If his facility could be set up physically the way his branches are, they would be able to operate more efficiently and effectively by having his entire staff cross -trained and available to service citizens no matter what tax matter they required. Mr. Zimmermann advised that his discussions with the Mall owners has been concerning a lease for three contiguous "stalls" in the mall. Their concern was they did not want in any way to impede the sale of the building to the County by having him there if it would be detrimental. That obstacle has now been removed. His intent is to continue to talk with them and when there is something that approaches a lease, he will involve the County Attorney's office. The reason he is doing that is because it will be a full-service office; if it was an office to just do vehicle title and license plates, it would not be considered "County work" and he could negotiate the license without coming to the County. Mr. Zimmermann has talked with Budget Director Joseph A. Baird about using sales tax funds to renovate and create a new office. The idea would be to use the architect who has already done his space needs assessment. When the design and budgets are completed, they will be brought to the Board for approval and request for funds. As a constitutional officer, he is not bound by the programs that the County is, so he intends to try to accomplish those preliminary steps. He feels it can be accomplished in half the time that the County would be able to do it. He hopes the Mall owners will be convinced, after today's vote, that the County is not interested in purchasing the Mall and hopes they will also be convinced that his office will create pedestrian traffic for them. He will be talking with them, and will ask for the assistance of the County Attorney's office to iron out the details. Chairman Eggert asked about collection of tourist tax, and Mr. Zimmermann 36 December 2, 1997