WINTERSET, Iowa — Property taxes were due more than a week ago, but Madison County statements still have not been mailed. The delay has caused tensions to boil over, according to new Madison County Treasurer Kylee Barber.

“We have people coming into our offices and wanting to fist fight with us,” Barber said during Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting. “I kid you not — fist fight with us.”

The backlog reportedly stems from months of disruption within the county government, including a drawn-out process to install a new county Auditor after elected Auditor Teri Kaczinski resigned. A Special Election was held last month to fill the role, and Michele Brant was sworn in just one week ago. Barber herself took office only a few weeks earlier, replacing former Treasurer Amanda DeVos, who was arrested in January and resigned in July. She is now facing multiple criminal charges.

Auditor Brant said she worked extra hours during her first week to get the county caught up. That will likely continue through this weekend, with Barber joining her, said Barber.

“She (Brant) has been working diligently,” Barber told WHO 13’s Katie Kaplan. “Once she gets her portion done, she turns them over to me, and then I will do my portion.”

Barber emphasized that the months-long leadership issues have caused multiple missed deadlines, creating a snowball effect that continues to impact operations.

Despite the delay, she stressed that residents will not be penalized for the late statements or missed deadlines.

“No matter what, you’ll always have that 30 days to pay your taxes,” she said. “If we don’t get taxes out until, you know, September 25th, you’ll have thirty days from that day, and then also, your penalties will adjust as well.”

Barber also said she is confident the county can continue covering its expenses in the meantime, despite the delay in incoming tax revenue.

Auditor Brant and Treasurer Barber aim to finalize the statements and have them ready for review by Monday night. If that timeline holds, residents could expect to receive them the following week.

Barber also asked for patience from residents, stating it is only she and two other staff members working in the office, not only on property tax issues, but motor vehicle licenses and registrations, and driver’s license services. Between it all, they do their best to answer the phone and return messages.

“Remember that, (sic) we are we are on your side,” she said. “People are coming in left and right.”

Barber said the office is looking to hire a Universal Deputy to help.

Meanwhile, former treasurer DeVos is preparing to face trial later this month. Charged with felony misconduct in office, tampering with records, fraudulent practice, and theft. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.