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   WALKER — Cass County Auditor-Treasurer Lisa Shadick shared the department update during the annual Auditor-Treasurer/Recorder report during the Tuesday, May 6, Cass County Board meeting, highlighting staffing changes, tax collection statistics, election activity and increased electronic processing throughout the department.

   Shadick reported the department experienced several staffing changes during 2025. Autumn Crawford resigned April 15 as Deputy Auditor Treasurer II, resulting in Kristen Rech moving into the position, along with two new hires Lindsey Sumstad as Deputy Auditor II and Jennifer Franks as Deputy Recorder.

   Shadick mentioned the county created and mailed 40,380 tax statements in 2025, an increase over 2024. The county also mailed 2,776 late notice reminders in December in an effort to help taxpayers avoid delinquent balances by paying before the end of the year. That number decreased from the previous year, which Shadick noted was a positive trend for taxpayers.

   Confessions of Judgment, which provide repayment plans for delinquent property taxes, also decreased during 2025. Shadick stated there were 39 total confessions during the year, with seven new contracts executed, nine confessions paid off and two defaults. The county continues working closely with the land department to help property owners avoid tax forfeiture by contacting owners regarding payment options or repayment agreements. The county board approved 14 county board relief abatements during 2025, while no court-ordered abatements were issued. In 2024 there were five court-ordered abatements.

   Within the Recorder’s Office, Shadick noted continued increases in electronic processing of licenses, mortgage tax filings and recorded documents as the county continues working toward reducing paper processing and improving efficiency. The department also saw a significant increase in birth certificate requests during 2025 due to the federal Real ID deadline that took effect in May. Shadick reported 526 birth certificates were issued during the year, compared to 349 in 2024, as many residents needed certified birth certificates to obtain Real IDs.

   License revenue for the year totaled $65,630, which was down from 2024 due to fewer licenses being issued. Liquor licenses decreased from 63 to 57, while tobacco licenses dropped from 49 to 46. Shadick noted some seasonal businesses delayed renewals and the county anticipates additional license applications later this year, including requests related to new off-sale liquor establishments. During discussion with commissioners, questions were raised regarding cannabis licensing. County Administrator Josh Stevenson explained cannabis licensing is processed through the public health department, with fees varying depending on the type of business and license involved.

   Shadick also highlighted continued growth in ACH electronic payments, which improves efficiency and helps reduce fraud risks and costs associated with paper checks. The county processed 3,180 ACH payments during 2025, compared to 2,998 the previous year. Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk asked if there was a way to encourage or possibly require more vendors to transition from paper checks to electronic payments in the future to improve savings and efficiencies. Shadick stated the county routinely encourages vendors and employees to enroll in ACH payments whenever possible.

   Although 2025 was expected to be a lighter election year, Shadick reported the county assisted with four elections during the year, including two school district special elections and the Senate District 6 special election, which required both a primary and general election within approximately 35 days. While the county is reimbursed for some school district election costs, the county cannot recoup expenses associated with legislative special elections.

   The Recorder’s Office also experienced a substantial increase in passport applications due to the Real ID deadline, with many residents opting to obtain passports instead of Real IDs because fewer supporting documents were required. Passport activity increased approximately 42% during the year, while recording fees increased roughly 43% over 2024.

   Shadick also updated commissioners on the ongoing remodel of the Auditor-Treasurer/Recorder offices located upstairs in the courthouse. While some finishing work remains, she noted the remodeled recorder space will eventually transition into additional election workspace for future election operations.

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

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