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Politics & Government

Zimmerman Sworn in as County Assessor

The ceremony for Jake Zimmerman happened Wednesday in the St. Louis County Council chambers.

While his official swearing in as St. Louis County's assessor took place Wednesday, has already started assessing his staff and how they go about the business of setting property assessments.

Zimmerman was sworn in at a noon ceremony held in the St. Louis County Council chambers at 41 S. Central Ave. in Clayton. Zimmerman, a Democrat, Republican candidate for the office on April 5, the first time the assessor's position has been an elected one.

Before the meeting, though, Zimmerman had already gotten to work. He held a town hall-type meeting Friday with members of his staff to learn some of their thoughts and concerns, he said.

“I've been doing some preliminary work and meeting with people one-on-one,” Zimmerman said.

When asked if current staff members will stay on board, he said there could be some changes in responsibilities and some shuffling around. There will also be new hires to fill existing vacancies.

Until a thorough review of systems and processes are completed, Zimmerman said, he cannot predict staff changes.

“The sooner the better, but we should be realistic. We're in the middle of reassessment season, and right now and property owners are starting to get those notices in the mail,” Zimmerman said. “So, the first thing the office has to do is get the job done and make sure every taxpayer is getting treated fairly.”

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Zimmerman said his “grand plans for building new and better systems, to some extent, are going to have a trial by fire.” The assessment process will assist with this, he said.

Rabbi Susan Talve gave the invocation. Gustavo Perez Diaz sang the national anthem, the St. Louis County Police Honor Guard gave the presentation of the colors and the Rev. Earl Nance gave the benediction.

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