SALISBURY — The Rowan County Board of Commissioners conducted its last interview for tax assessor during a closed session board meeting on Monday.

The board conducted five interviews prior to Monday, according to board chairman Greg Edds. Monday’s interview was for one of the previously interviewed candidates.

In October, the board announced the resignation of then-Tax Administrator Kelvin Byrd, who had served since 2012. The board then appointed Tonya Parnell, formerly the tax collections manager, as the interim tax collector and Phyllis Adams as interim tax assessor.

Adams previously served as tax administrator for Yadkin County from October 1979 to November 2017 before retiring.

In the coming weeks, the board will conduct an extensive background check before reaching an agreement with the candidate on the term length and salary, said Rowan County Manager Aaron Church. The board will then conduct a public vote to appoint the new tax assessor. That’s when the salary and term length — either two years or four years — will be disclosed.

Byrd’s term was scheduled to expire in the spring. Adams’ pay for the remainder of the term was $4,100 per month for 80 hours and $45 per hour for all time worked over.

Adams said she is not one of the candidates vying for the tax assessor position because she wants to return to her retirement.

Besides the job requirements, Edds said the board is looking to appoint someone who is “data-driven” and exhibits strong leadership.

Contact reporter Natalie Anderson at 704-797-4246.