By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
In a move to consolidate the two county tax offices, Rowan County commissioners have appointed Robert G. “Jerry” Rowland as assessor and tax collector.
After a brief closed session Monday evening, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Rowland to the dual posts through June 30, 2011.
The tax collector’s position has been vacant for several weeks. Glen Moore, who held the position for 12 years, resigned in a deal with the county after being placed on administrative leave in March. A separation agreement between the county and Moore cited differences over management style.
Commissioners opted to wait until the arrival of new County Manager Gary Page to make a final determination on combining the offices.
Following the board’s action Monday, Page said many counties use a consolidated office, typically called tax administration. Page said consolidated departments do a better job.
Rowland’s job will be to reorganize and consolidate the merged office and prepare for the 2011 countywide property revaluation.
Commissioners agreed to give Rowland an immediate 5 percent pay increase, which will raise his current salary from $97,000 to $102,000.
The consolidation is expected to save the county around $60,000 annually.
Rowland has served as county assessor since 1988.
A certified appraiser for nearly 30 years, Rowland also does private work, but agreed in August he will no longer do private appraisal work in Rowan County.