By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Marion County Appraiser’s Office employees have been unable to find the source of an odor that has given them headaches, Appraiser Cindy Magill said Monday at County Commission meeting.

Employees have described the odor in different ways, including musty, moldy, chemical, and like vinegar.

The odor has given staff headaches, sore throats, and burning eyes at times and is worst first thing in the morning.

“It’s more than a musty basement smell,” Magill said.

Recent work didn’t reveal any mold in an adjacent break room. Staff suspect the source may be the carpet in the office. Before committing to tearing up the carpet in the office, Magill wants to get a second opinion. Commissioners gave her the go-ahead to seek free testing and estimates.

In other business:

• Jack Chappell of Engineering Solutions & Design of Overland Park suggested using a new method for testing groundwater at an old landfill. By removing the need to bail out a well before testing, the county could save about $11,000 in the first five years.
• County cash-on-hand July 31 was almost $12 million, almost $1.5 million more than July 31, 2008.
• Four appraiser’s staff members will attend training for the new Orion appraisal computer system mandated by Kansas, Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 in El Dorado.
• Commissioners met with County Clerk Carol Maggard in closed session for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken afterward.
• Magill met with commissioner in closed session for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken afterward.
• Sheriff Rob Craft met with commissioners in closed session for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken afterward.

The next County Commission meeting will be Monday at Marion County Courthouse.