TREASURER'S OFFICE: DUTIES

WHO IS YOUR COUNTY TREASURER?

County treasurers in all of Ohio's 88 counties have traditionally served as the local tax collector. However, tighter budgets and increasing demands at the local level have changed the face of the position of county treasurer and increased expectations for this important occupation.

Today's treasurer serves as the county's chief investment officer, the administrator of sophisticated delinquent tax collection programs and the keeper of property tax escrow accounts. As a result, those that hold this position must be individuals who are highly trained in investment, cash management and financial planning strategies to properly manage and safeguard local funds.

TREASURER'S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

County treasurers, who are elected to four-year terms, serve as the county banker, safe keeper of all taxes and investor of local funds.

The responsibilities of county treasurers include:

• Collection of local taxes, particularly the Real Property Tax.
  They are also responsible for taxes on manufactured homes and special assessments.

• Safe keeper of taxes collected in tax districts for the schools
  City of Lancaster, City of Pickerington, all 13 townships and the village.

• Chief County Investment Officer who as such oversees the county's portfolio and provides to the Investment Advisory Committee financial data, investment instruments, forecasting and interest rate schedules.

• Prepares daily and monthly statements of deposits into the County Treasury.

• As a member of the County Board of Revisions oversees complaints of property owners who feel their property taxes are too high.

• As a member of the County Budget Commission takes an active role in approving the level of spending for the cities, townships and schools.