Meleigha Caudel
Candidate Meleigha Caudel, is a life long resident of Moniteau County. "I am a student at Westminster College where I am a double major in Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis in Human Behavior. I am also a double minor in Political Science and Coaching (basketball)." Her parents are Jeremy and Cherissa Caudel. She has three sisters - Mara Caudel, Maylee Caudel and Breanna Caudel - one brother Nathanial Caudel and sister-in-law Shea Caudel. She is also granddaughter of former assessor Darrell King and wife Debbie.
"I have previously worked for the Missouri Department of Insurance, Investigations Section and as a the Benefits Specialist for the Callaway County Public Administrator's office," Caudel said. "During my previous work experiences, I dealt with many unhappy customers as well as many consumers who had been dealt with unfairly."
"I want to make sure that everyone gets a fair and equitable appraisal of their property for tax purposes. The Missouri Constitution requires political sub-divisions to roll back their levies when there is an increase due to reassessment. Some taxing authorities have chosen not to comply with this part of the constitution. I pledge to be a watch dog on this issue. I will use this office as a bully pulpit to fight un-just taxation. I think the Missouri Citizens are many times overtaxed, and I believe that there are some very obvious tax cuts. The property tax system should be revised, to fall in line with the Missouri Constitution.
I come from a family that has served this community for many years. My mom, Cher Caudel, is the current Public Administrator of Moniteau County and my dad Jeremy Caudel, is a Hospice Chaplin. My grandfather was the Moniteau County Assessor nearly 23 years as well. Service is in my DNA. I pledge to serve this county as a young, fiscal conservative with a very conservative approach to assessments. I would love the opportunity to serve as your Assessor. I understand the commitment and dedication required for this position and I would greatly appreciate your support on Aug. 2. Thank you
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Tara Renfro
Candidate Tara Renfro, 40, has resided in the county for 38 years. She is married to Kyle and they have two sons Morgan and Braydon.
"I am currently employed by the Moniteau County Assessor's Office as a clerk," Renfro said. "With over two years' experience, I have the knowledge of both real estate and personal property assessments. Prior to working in this office, I served as a closing agent/office manager for Preferred Land Title. In that position, I learned an extensive amount of information dealing with real estate assessments processes."
"I feel everyone should be treated equally. I will have an open door policy and be available to all citizens to answer their questions and concerns regarding their real estate and personal property tax assessments.
"With a new Assessor taking office, it is important that the transition be as smooth as possible for the citizens of Moniteau County. As a current employee, I feel that I am the best candidate to make this transition seamless for the citizens I serve as well as the employees of the office.
"I will continue the high standards set before me in the Assessor's office. I would like to create a program to work with area schools in their Personal Finance classes to teach our students the policies and procedures that must be followed when we report our taxes.
"Almost every aspect of the assessment process is stipulated by state law. These laws are forever changing, causing the Assessor's office to have to adjust their processes. Sometimes, these changes are not in the best interest of our county. As your next Assessor, I will take a proactive approach in representing our county at the state level, by testifying at hearings and participating in debates regarding changes that will affect our citizens. I would also like to have our field-appraiser working in the field assessing properties full-time, with the assistance of an in-office clerk entering the date.
"Remember, experience matters. I would greatly appreciate your vote on Aug. 2.
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Amanda (Borghardt) Trimble
Amanda (Borghardt) Trimble, 37, is a lifelong resident of Moniteau County. The daughter of Richard and Debbie Borghardt, she has been married to Justin for 15 years. They have two children - Macie and Chase.
"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next Moniteau County Assessor, it would be a culmination of skills developed through my professional career and a lifetime of community involvement," Trimble said. "As a Moniteau County graduate, I was afforded the opportunity to work inside the Assessor's office as part of a COE program for Seniors at California R-1 and upon graduation completed my education at UCM, obtaining a degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration. "Throughout my professional career at Bond pharmacy, I have been able to develop leadership and communication skills that have allowed me to be considered and serve in various leadership roles, both at the pharmacy and in the community as well. Over the past 14 years, I have served Moniteau County as the current President of California Area Chamber of Commerce, President of California PTO, President of the United Church of Christ Playschool Board of Directors, and was asked by school administration to be on a committee to set goals and objectivies for the California School Improvement Plan. I have a strong work ethic and I am proud of my communication skills with customers, co-workers, and volunteers in the various positions and proceedings that I have led. My pride is in our community, and I am looking forward to taking on this new role and to continue serving the wonderful residents of Moniteau County.
"The holder of the office of assessor must relate to the citizens of Moniteau County with honesty, integrity, attention to detail, reliability, and an equal respect for others. It is my opinion, the most valuable qualities of an assessor are fairness, availability, and an open door policy that fosters transparency and understanding to the taxpayer.
"The most important issue for the Assessor is for the discovery, location, and assessment of all taxable property inside the county be conducted in a fair, equal, and uniform manner for all tax payers of Moniteau county.
"My goal would be to not only run the office according to the state tax commission rules and regulations, but to also have an open door policy, where I would be available to provide an opportunity for understanding and discussion on concerns citizens may have regarding their assessments.
"Though I have much respect for the current and past officeholders, it is my belief that any position can benefit from a fresh view point and new set of ideas. The state tax commission regulates much of this office, however new processes in technology can be utilized; such as the choice to submit assessment sheets online. My main goal would be to build off current success, while keeping the office running smooth in a fair, equal, and uniformed process for the taxpayers and citizens of Moniteau County. As a candidate for the next Assessor of Moniteau County, that is a promise I am qualified to make and would appreciate your vote.