photo by: Courtesy of Douglas County

County Appraiser Steven Miles poses in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.

Douglas County Appraiser Steven Miles will be retiring this week after a 32-year career in the appraiser’s office and more than a decade in his current role, the county announced Tuesday.

Miles was appointed as county appraiser in 2009, but his time with the Appraiser’s Office began in 1991, when he was hired as a field staff appraiser after a short stint selling real estate, according to the release. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture production from Kansas State University, and he worked as a cattle herdsman and horse trainer in the 1980s before his real estate and appraisal careers began.

Much of Miles’ work had to do with commercial and agricultural property, but the release said he did some of everything during his time at the office, including data collection and geographic information systems mapping. He has previously served as president of the Kansas County Appraisers Association, president of the regional chapter of IAAO, and director of the North Central Regional Association of Assessing Officers.

Miles said in the release that he prided himself throughout his career on fairness, accuracy and showing “common sense and empathy.”

“I have enjoyed getting to know the people and my work, even during some difficult times,” Miles said.

In retirement, Miles said he is looking forward to ranching, working with his horses, and spending more time with family.

A public reception to honor Miles is slated for 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St., in the County Commission meeting room.

Once Miles leaves, another appraiser’s office worker, commercial real estate supervisor Brad Eldridge, will take over as interim county appraiser. The release did not give any details about the process for filling the position permanently.

“Steve has put together a good staff and supported professional development during his tenure,” Eldridge said. “I appreciate the opportunity to keep our department on course until the administration finds Steve’s permanent replacement.”