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   WALKER — Cass County Auditor-Treasurer Lisa Shadick reported 2024 was a busy and challenging year during the annual Auditor-Treasurer Recorder Department report at the Tuesday, May 6, Cass County Board meeting. With the combining of the Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder departments, staff saw cross training, added jobs and job description reviews. 

   Shadick mentioned the county created 40,301 tax statements that were mailed to taxpayers, with only 2,808 late notice reminders being mailed in early December in hopes of collecting before balances became delinquent. Cass County held it’s final in person land sale August 24, which included 11 parcels being auctioned off with another 9 parcels being sold over the counter at the land department office during the year. Total land sales for the year were $185,625. 

Chairman Rick Haaland presented Chief Deputy Treasurer/Investment Officer Karen Flier for 34 years of service. Photo by Josh Stevenson

   A Confession of Judgement repayment plan is offered if funds are not available to pay delinquent taxes prior to a forfeiture Shadick shared. During 2024 there were a total of 43 confessions of judgments; seven new contracts executed; five confessions paid off and three defaulted confessions. The county board approved 12 abatements with a net decrease to taxing districts of $12,469. There was also five tax court ordered abatements with a net decrease of $10,546.

   Shadick noted the issuance of licenses and vital records were consistent with prior years. Although, there was another decrease in death certificates in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 1584 certificates being issued, which includes duplicates. License revenue showed a slight increase over 2023 at $80,877.50 even though there was a decrease in beer and liquor licenses issued.

   Shadick also mentioned the County continues to show in increase on the amount of ACH payments distributed, which has created efficiencies and reduced costs relating to issuing checks. She would like to continue to see more vendors accept payment by ACH.

   Investments for the year were briefly discussed with Shadick mentioning October of 2023 the county partnered with Three+One Company, Inc to review and analyze the county’s financial accounts. The county’s goal was to consistently have a quarterly cashVest score above 90. With the county showing scores above 90 from May 2024 to a 97 in February 2025, Shadick recommends the county discontinuing Three+One’s services, this would save the county $19,000 per year.

   With three elections during 2024, Shadick shared comparison information regarding voter turnout for each election over the past ten years. It was also mentioned that Cass County has 43 mail ballot precincts and 28 polling locations.

   To the see the full auditor-treasurer’s report go to www.casscountymn.gov. 

   The commissioners also recognized Chief Deputy Treasurer/Investment Officer Karen Flier for 34 years of service. Shadick shared during her report Flier will be retiring at the end of May and has been training her replacement since December. 

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