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TO WANTING TO KNOW wrote on Feb 19, 2009 10:27 AM:
I was at the Commissioner’s meeting on 2/18/09, paying attention. The MANY reasons why the appraiser was hired at higher than entry-level pay step were clearly presented. Obviously, the entire Board of Commissioners was convinced. They agreed totally with Mr. Colby.
Do you have something worthwhile to contribute here, or are you -as usual- just blabbing your mouth and stirring the pot?
Do you have something worthwhile to contribute here, or are you -as usual- just blabbing your mouth and stirring the pot?
Not as dumb as I look... wrote on Feb 18, 2009 11:05 PM:
Sounds like this new Assessor (Colby) is trying to blow smoke up the taxpayers you know what. How can Colby be asking for new digs and offering to pay top dollar to new employees and save the taxpayers any money? This whole thing absolutely bewilders me, as well as irritates me.
Wanting to know wrote on Feb 17, 2009 8:43 PM:
I would like to know why Mr. Colby is trying to hire an appraiser 3 at a STEP 5 WAGE. I read this on the board of commissioners adgenda for 2-18-09. Most people hired start at a step 1. Does this person have any experence in mass appraisal?
I thought Mr. Colby said he was trying to save the taxpayers money. How is hiring a person at a STEP 5 LEVEL SAVING MONEY?
I thought Mr. Colby said he was trying to save the taxpayers money. How is hiring a person at a STEP 5 LEVEL SAVING MONEY?
To Old Dog wrote on Feb 16, 2009 9:33 PM:
It is my business. Those are my tax dollars being spent.
Who is paying for the electrical work?
And at what cost?
Who is paying for the many hours of work that will be required for the IT department to perform all the workstation moves?
Are the Commissioners backing this decision?
This saves no money that I can see.
Ever heard "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Who is paying for the electrical work?
And at what cost?
Who is paying for the many hours of work that will be required for the IT department to perform all the workstation moves?
Are the Commissioners backing this decision?
This saves no money that I can see.
Ever heard "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Old dog wrote on Feb 15, 2009 9:56 PM:
My God! Would you people listen to yourselves?! I've never seen or read a bigger bunch of whining, sniveling, "let-me-stick-my-nose-into-your-business" busybodies in my life!
Mr. Colby took over an office from his predecessor who apparently managed things by a lot of "sweeping-under-the-rug" and you hammer the crap out of him for trying to bring the place into the 21st century.
If you think you can do it better, why didn't YOU run for office?
Geez! Get a life!
Mr. Colby took over an office from his predecessor who apparently managed things by a lot of "sweeping-under-the-rug" and you hammer the crap out of him for trying to bring the place into the 21st century.
If you think you can do it better, why didn't YOU run for office?
Geez! Get a life!
Citizen wrote on Feb 15, 2009 4:29 PM:
How much is this going to cost and how long will it take to pay it back with the cost savings?
Where is the money coming from? Where does this fit in with regard to the rest of the universe? Where is the money coming from? Is a dangerous road condition being neglected so that somebody doesn't have to walk up and down stairs?
Where is the money coming from? Where does this fit in with regard to the rest of the universe? Where is the money coming from? Is a dangerous road condition being neglected so that somebody doesn't have to walk up and down stairs?
information wrote on Feb 14, 2009 12:09 PM:
The person requesting money to change things in an office is Mr. Colby and not the Sheriff. The Sheriff has not requested anything for remodeling. That being said, for the Assessor's Office, there will be time used by maintenance, IT and the individual assessor's for the move (meaning money spent) and the rearranging of those who are already upstairs. That also means time lost doing their actual job. Any time Mr. Colby wants to see what is going on, he can walk downstairs. That costs nothing...
TIRED OF THE BULL wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:29 PM:
If he wants a new office then let him pay for it not the tax payers or money from the budget.
What a Shame wrote on Feb 13, 2009 3:12 PM:
TO THE CENSOR OF THE BLOGS, PLEASE POST THIS ONE, THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE.......If the Assessor is trying to save the County and the taxpayer money, then why is Adam NOT allowing his five appraisers to go out and do their job. They have been sitting in their office since about the first of the year, doing nothing, direct orders from your fabulous County Assessor. If you know any of these appraisers, ask them they will tell you what is going on, don't take my word, or call the assesssor's office and ask Adam.
Toothless Cajun wrote on Feb 13, 2009 2:32 PM:
The only thing that matters? Will they get more or less exercise getting to & from for their cigarette breaks? Maybe they could just open a window & blow it outside.
Native of Coos Bay wrote on Feb 13, 2009 2:15 PM:
Okay, HMMM above is right... so he moved the assessors from North Bend Annex, where they were squarely in the midst of the bulk of their work area... to Coquille in the County Courthouse??? So now they have to drive an extra 20 miles each way to appraise a property... how is that saving money? The guy has to be a neanderthal to seriously think that was a good idea... sounds like he's a control freak and will micromanage the staff no matter what the cost to the taxpayers.
What a Shame wrote on Feb 12, 2009 2:12 PM:
It makes no sence to me. Why is the County Assessor trying to SAVE money and the SHERIFF, after crying about having no money for jailers, and road deputies, getting ready to SPEND money on a remodel of the Sheriff's Office area? Call Andy and ask him where he is getting the money.........
Say it aint so... wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:16 PM:
Wow, the audacity of the Assessor to have his department consolidated to a single floor. Please tell me these grumblers are not employees when the jobless rate in Oregon is 20%. The next thing you know he'll be expecting people to work.
Mike M. wrote on Feb 12, 2009 11:50 AM:
Trillions of stimulous spending that we taxpayers have to fork over and you have this fellow at the county that is trying to cut costs. Glad I voted for you, Colby. Perhaps some of the kool aid drinkers should switch to coffee?
Jim G. wrote on Feb 12, 2009 11:47 AM:
Haven't heard many suggestions of cost cutting from naysayers. Maybe it is like your editorial inferred. Anyone can be a Monday Morning quarterback or complainer. It takes guts to run for office and try to invoke change. Stop complaining if you are not willing to put your neck out.
Jaime wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:46 AM:
Scheduling appointments by a certain time. Makes sense. I work for a professional office and that is what we do. I like the changes you have been putting forth. My tax dollars appreciate it. Continue full steam ahead.
Joe F. wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:44 AM:
You must be doing something right. If you just let people do what they want you have few complaints. I have seen county employees sleeping in their county vehicles. I'm sure they would claim they were on break or stressed.
Babies wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:30 AM:
Babies cry for attention. Seems like you got a bunch in the assessor's office. Why don't they just do their jobs? Maybe a road dept. person who just lost their job would like to take their place.
Good Job wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:27 AM:
Sounds like an awful lot of disgruntled appraisers do not want change. Maybe that is because if they are downstairs no one is there to see what they are or aren't doing. Why should the same department occupy space on two floors? This makes sense to me. Keep up the good work. Someone is finally doing something there.
Citizen wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:40 AM:
Way to take some of the heat off your torte claims Mr. Colby by asking for the office to get moved....in times like this with other people having to do without, pinch pennies, title their belts (whatever you want to call it), why is this a priority. County Employees and other people are loosing their jobs, homes, income, etc!!! What a waste time and energy and its insulting to say the least!!
Its Only Money wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:26 AM:
Don't you people fret, for those that voted Obama they all know that he's going to fix this all. It's "Change" and it will happen. For those that didn't vote Obama, get on board, he's gunna change the world. Or at least that of our grandchildren and greatgrandchildren when the bills come do. Long live honeybees and atv trails.
Steve Pickering wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:12 AM:
This is my third post to this thread. The second did not show up and is important. After asking my question, I found out Christina Crabill is not the office’s personnel manager. Rather she is a very hard working Administrative Assistant. The error is on The Worlds part.
wasting money and time wrote on Feb 12, 2009 12:09 AM:
Why is the new assessor wasting money on moving people? How many hours will be lost and at what cost? How many people will it take to move them? Is there even enough room for all of them upstairs? It doesn't sound like money well spent. Why as a taxpayer are we paying for this.
Bob Main didn't have a problem with the appraisers being downstairs. The work got done every year because the appraisers were well organized and found the best way to get it done in a timely manner.
From what I have heard the new assessor is not letting the appraisers out of the office. Is the work not getting done now? How is that saving money? Are we as taxpayers footing the bill for these people who are not allowed to do their jobs?
There are alot of taxpayers wanting to know the answers.
Bob Main didn't have a problem with the appraisers being downstairs. The work got done every year because the appraisers were well organized and found the best way to get it done in a timely manner.
From what I have heard the new assessor is not letting the appraisers out of the office. Is the work not getting done now? How is that saving money? Are we as taxpayers footing the bill for these people who are not allowed to do their jobs?
There are alot of taxpayers wanting to know the answers.
Hmm wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:13 PM:
"Colby is proposing all office workers be moved to the main office on the second floor of the Coos County Courthouse to speed customer service."
With what has been happening, I can't help but wonder what the real reason is, considering what has been happening in this office. Could it be to better micromanage and intimidate, having everyone in the same room?
If the interest truly is in better customer service, I have to wonder the following as well: Some of the previous changes imposed by Colby were supposedly to mysteriously save gasoline, consolodating trips the assessors make into the field. This current article mentions how the assessors used to work out of the annex in North Bend... which brings me to my question...
Considering well over 50% of the population lives in and around North Bend/Coos Bay... wouldn't it 1) provide much better service to return the assessors to the Annex, and 2) in the process, likely save MUCH more money on gasoline? Or does it make much more sense to have your assessors work 20 miles away from the vast majority of their work?
With what has been happening, I can't help but wonder what the real reason is, considering what has been happening in this office. Could it be to better micromanage and intimidate, having everyone in the same room?
If the interest truly is in better customer service, I have to wonder the following as well: Some of the previous changes imposed by Colby were supposedly to mysteriously save gasoline, consolodating trips the assessors make into the field. This current article mentions how the assessors used to work out of the annex in North Bend... which brings me to my question...
Considering well over 50% of the population lives in and around North Bend/Coos Bay... wouldn't it 1) provide much better service to return the assessors to the Annex, and 2) in the process, likely save MUCH more money on gasoline? Or does it make much more sense to have your assessors work 20 miles away from the vast majority of their work?
I wonder wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:09 PM:
"Colby is proposing all office workers be moved to the main office on the second floor of the Coos County Courthouse to speed customer service."
With what has been happening, I can't help but wonder what the real reason is, considering what has been happening in this office. Could it be to better micromanage and intimidate, having everyone in the same room?
If the interest truly is in better customer service, I have to wonder the following as well: Some of the previous changes imposed by Colby were supposedly to mysteriously save gasoline, consolodating trips the assessors make into the field. This current article mentions how the assessors used to work out of the annex in North Bend... which brings me to my question...
Considering well over 50% of the population lives in and around North Bend/Coos Bay... wouldn't it 1) provide much better service to return the assessors to the Annex, and 2) in the process, likely save MUCH more money on gasoline? Or does it make much more sense to have your assessors work 20 miles away from the vast majority of their work?
With what has been happening, I can't help but wonder what the real reason is, considering what has been happening in this office. Could it be to better micromanage and intimidate, having everyone in the same room?
If the interest truly is in better customer service, I have to wonder the following as well: Some of the previous changes imposed by Colby were supposedly to mysteriously save gasoline, consolodating trips the assessors make into the field. This current article mentions how the assessors used to work out of the annex in North Bend... which brings me to my question...
Considering well over 50% of the population lives in and around North Bend/Coos Bay... wouldn't it 1) provide much better service to return the assessors to the Annex, and 2) in the process, likely save MUCH more money on gasoline? Or does it make much more sense to have your assessors work 20 miles away from the vast majority of their work?
Property Taxpayer wrote on Feb 11, 2009 8:41 PM:
How about...
...No.
Tighten your belt and get to work like the rest of us.
Your request is unnecessary spending.
No.
...No.
Tighten your belt and get to work like the rest of us.
Your request is unnecessary spending.
No.
Old Timer wrote on Feb 11, 2009 7:14 PM:
These 5 people used to be housed in an office in North Bend where they were closer to the larger population base. Since they moved into the Courthouse basement a few years ago, service has gone downhill. The basement is a lot closer to the main office than North Bend was and they survived in North Bend for many years.
Not sure spending all this money on a remodel will net a overall gain, for the money spent. Taxpayers may be better served by moving at least some of them into the North Bend County Annex building.
Not sure spending all this money on a remodel will net a overall gain, for the money spent. Taxpayers may be better served by moving at least some of them into the North Bend County Annex building.
Going to cost alot wrote on Feb 11, 2009 7:04 PM:
I don't understand why Mr. Colby and the office manager think that making the appraisers "more visable" is going to change anything.
I thought the appraisers job was to be out in the field looking at property not sitting at the office talking to co-workers? Maybe it is the lack of experence of these two. Does the office manager know anything about what the employees do in the assessors office?
Mr. Colby never had a problem with working downstairs when he was first hired. Is it all about the control or is he insecure?
Is Mr. Colby trying to pressure the commissioners into letting him move these people upstairs and who is footing the big bill to do that?
Customer Service? That is something you get at the bank.
I thought the appraisers job was to be out in the field looking at property not sitting at the office talking to co-workers? Maybe it is the lack of experence of these two. Does the office manager know anything about what the employees do in the assessors office?
Mr. Colby never had a problem with working downstairs when he was first hired. Is it all about the control or is he insecure?
Is Mr. Colby trying to pressure the commissioners into letting him move these people upstairs and who is footing the big bill to do that?
Customer Service? That is something you get at the bank.
consider wrote on Feb 11, 2009 5:18 PM:
that could be a fancy, over-rated title for an office manager..
Former Resident wrote on Feb 11, 2009 4:41 PM:
This should be interesting.
From the sounds of the tort claims, the consolidation could herald a hornets' nest. I can bet there will be some appraisers who are not happy about this idea...
I'm sure Colby would be more than happy to have them reassigned to the road department. I'm sure a little sunshine could help the negativity!
From the sounds of the tort claims, the consolidation could herald a hornets' nest. I can bet there will be some appraisers who are not happy about this idea...
I'm sure Colby would be more than happy to have them reassigned to the road department. I'm sure a little sunshine could help the negativity!
Steve Pickering wrote on Feb 11, 2009 4:18 PM:
Stop The Presses... The World has an error in the article. It seems Christina Crabill, is not the office’s personnel manager. She is indeed an Administrative Assistant, and from what I can find out , very competent and hard working. Sometimes just asking a question will get you an answer.
hmmm.. wrote on Feb 11, 2009 2:58 PM:
That is good question Steve. Hope we get an answer. Sure seems like a waste of money for a county that claims to be so strapped for cash..
Time Value of Money wrote on Feb 11, 2009 2:32 PM:
Time equals money is an old formula from Farside. Moving the appraisers over from North Bend made sence, just not taken far enough. This even makes better use of the appraisers time. They now will be able to grab a file and go help property owners! About time service and efficiency got together. Mabe they can study the six value of a dollar.
CC Taxpayer wrote on Feb 11, 2009 2:25 PM:
Yep - move them altogether - more opportunity for harassment claims to be filed against Mr. Colby - more money spent on legal bills defending the office... how ridiculous is this... the money should be spent on recalling Mr. Colby if the county has to pay out $1 on any claim filed that he is involved with - since he will then be voted into office on false pretenses. talks about waste, fraud and abuse - this is a classic.
Fromer Resident wrote on Feb 11, 2009 12:11 PM:
Does anyone see the can of worms being opened here?
Hmmm...
18 people in the assessors office - maybe some of them can work for the road department.
And I'm sure a couple would be more than happy to. Not wanting to be under Colby's thumb - that is.
Hmmm...
18 people in the assessors office - maybe some of them can work for the road department.
And I'm sure a couple would be more than happy to. Not wanting to be under Colby's thumb - that is.
Just An Observer wrote on Feb 11, 2009 12:03 PM:
Paradigm shift? The biggest shift would be to see Coos County government quit being so dysfunctional. All those tort claims are not making the Assessor's Office very popular with Joe Taxpayer, who will wind up paying for the damages one way or another.
Oh well, it only took several decades to realize that having everything scattered all over the place was a Bad Idea...LOL!
Oh well, it only took several decades to realize that having everything scattered all over the place was a Bad Idea...LOL!
Steve Pickering wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:58 AM:
Now this makes real sense. I have a question. If the county has an HRO (Steve Allen) why does the Coos County Assessor’s Office have a separate personnel manager? I hope Taxpayer funds are not being spent on other duplication of personnel in County Offices
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