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   BACKUS — Cass County Auditor-Treasurer Lisa Shadick presented the annual Auditor-Treasurer Department report for 2023 at the Tuesday, Mar. 19, Cass County Board meeting. 

   Shadick mentioned the county created 40,315 tax statements that were mailed to taxpayers, with only 2,755 late notice reminders being mailed in early December in hopes of collecting before balances became delinquent. Cass County again held it’s annual land sale June 10, which included 6 parcels being auctioned off with another 3 parcels being sold over the counter at the land department office during the year. Total land sales for the year were $337,720. 

   Shadick noted the issuance of licenses and vital records were consistent with prior years. Although, there was a decrease in death certificates in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 1816 certificates being issued, which includes duplicates. License revenue was slightly down from 2022 at $74,632.50 even though there was a slight increase in beer and liquor licenses issued.

   Shadick did mention the County has increased the amount of ACH payments over the past few years which has created efficiencies and reduced costs relating to issuing checks. However, she would like to see more vendors accept payment by ACH.

   Investments for the year were briefly discussed with the county having just over $58 million in US Agencies; a little less than $21.5 million in Negotiable CDs; $230,000 in Revenue Bonds; approximately $8.9 million in MAGIC fund and $5.2 million in Local CDs. All investments showed an increase over the previous year. Shadick also gave an update on the investment analysis that was conducted by Three+One Company, Inc by sharing the county received a high cashVest score of 82 with most scoring between 30 - 40. Cass County signed a one-year agreement with Three+One Company in October 2023 to review and analyze the county’s financial accounts. Out of five categories Cass County scored five out of five on two categories, % of Funds Providing Value and Liquidity Proficiency. They scored a four out of five on Warnick Rate Indicator and a four and half out of five on Investment Policy. The Cash Flow Optimization category the county scored a one and half out of five due to mainly the county relying on checks rather than ACH transactions. Three+One Company did recommend changes to improve this score.

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

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