Two candidates signed on last week to compete for the post of Warren County Assessor.

Kathryn “Katie” Smith and Terence “Terry” Bracht, both of Warrenton, have filed to run for the assessor’s office following the announced resignation of Assessor Wendy Nordwald. The Warren County Clerk’s Office opened filing to new candidates for one week following Nordwald’s May 18 announcement that she would leave office in at the end of next week.

The county assessor’s office is charged with determining the value of real estate and personal property that is taxed at the end of each year.

Smith is a current staff member in the assessor’s office. Bracht is the owner of Market 1 Realty in Warrenton.

Both candidates are running as Republicans and will face off during primary elections in August. No Democrats filed for the office, meaning the November general elections will most likely be a formality for the August winner.

Prior to Nordwald’s decision to resign, she had been running for re-election unopposed. Nordwald said she has received a new opportunity, but has not yet disclosed what the career move will be.

Until Nordwald’s elected successor takes over the office, it falls to the Warren County Commission to appoint her interim replacement. Commissioners are accepting resumes for the position until this Friday, June 5.

Commissioners said they will meet with candidates for interim assessor on June 8-9, and likely make a selection by June 10. Smith and Bracht are both welcome to apply and be considered for the interim position, commissioners said.

The commission’s appointment will have to be confirmed by Gov. Mike Parson, but the appointee will be able to serve in office until that happens. They will serve until the elected assessor’s term officially begins in mid-2021.

The only other contested races on the August ballot are two seats on the county commission. Three people are running for the office of Northern District commissioner, while five are running for the Southern District seat.