Jake Zimmerman Sworn in as County Assessor

Jake Zimmerman was officially sworn-in as St. Louis County Assessor on Wednesday, but he 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, defeated Republican candidate L.K. “Chip” Wood for the office on April 5, the first time the assessor's position has been an elected one.

Before the meeting, however, Zimmerman had already gotten to work. He held a town hall-type meeting April 15 with members of his staff to learn some of their thoughts and concerns.

“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 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.”

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.

The invocation was given by Rabbi Susan Talve, followed by the a cappella singing of the national anthem by Gustavo Perez Diaz, the presentation of the colors by the St. Louis County Police Color Guard, with the benediction given by the Rev. Earl Nance.