What Does a County Treasurer Do?

A look at another critical office in county government

This year in counties across Ohio, voters will elect a county treasurer to serve for a four year term. In the decentralized system of county governmment, the role of the county treasurer in Ohio is certainly both pivotal and multifaceted. As stewards of county funds, these officials shoulder a significant burden of responsibility, often unseen by the general public. Like all of county government in 86 of the state’s 88 counties, the Ohio Revised Code, a comprehensive body of state law, outlines these duties in detail.

The Custodian of County Funds

At the heart of the county treasurer's role is the management of county funds. This responsibility extends from the collection of taxes, including real estate and personal property taxes, to the safekeeping and investment of these funds. The Ohio Revised Code mandates treasurers to ensure that these funds are available to meet the county's financial obligations, a task that requires both financial acumen and a deep understanding of local and state fiscal policies.

Beyond just being the custodian of these funds, that can easily be in the millions of dollars, treasurers are tasked with the prudent investment of county funds. The Ohio Revised Code provides guidelines on the types of investments that are permissible, emphasizing safety and liquidity. These investments are critical as they can generate additional revenue for the county, helping to fund essential services without overburdening taxpayers.

The County’s Chief Tax Collector

One of the most visible aspects of the county treasurer's job is tax collection. Property taxes, which form a significant portion of local government revenue, are collected semi-annually. The treasurer's office sends out tax bills, processes payments, and manages delinquencies. This process is not just about revenue collection but also involves a fair degree of public interaction, requiring treasurers to be not only efficient administrators but also effective communicators.

Another challenging aspect of the role is managing property tax delinquencies. The treasurer's office is involved in the foreclosure process for properties with long-standing delinquencies. This process, while sometimes unpleasant, is vital for maintaining the fiscal health of the county and ensuring fairness in the tax system.

Public Service and Transparency

Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of the treasurer's role. They are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all transactions and balances. This information must be readily available for audits and public scrutiny, ensuring that the treasurer's office operates with the highest standards of public trust.

While the Ohio Revised Code outlines the legal responsibilities of the county treasurer, it is the human element that truly defines their role. Treasurers, as elected officials, must balance the technical aspects of their job with the needs and concerns of the public they serve. They are often the face of local government finance, and their ability to communicate, empathize, and lead is just as important as their financial management skills. Many seasoned county treasurers find that excellent customer service is a must have skill to do their job well.

Continual Learning

The Ohio Revised Code also places an emphasis on the ongoing education of county treasurers. Regular training sessions are mandated to ensure that treasurers are up-to-date with the latest legal and technological developments in their field, highlighting the state's commitment to professional and effective public service.

Brininging It All Together

The county treasurer in Ohio is a role of great importance and complexity. Governed by the detailed statutes of the Ohio Revised Code, these officials are key players in the financial health and administrative integrity of their counties. Through their efforts in tax collection, fund management, and public service, they uphold the fiscal stability that is essential for the prosperity and well-being of Ohio's communities. One of the more intersting facts about the county treasurer is that once they are elected, they need to wait nearly a year before taking office. Unlike most elected positions, that take office on or near January 1st after the election, the County Treasurer in Ohio doesn’t take office until September 1st of the following year.

In Miami County, our County Treasurer is Jim Stubbs and he will be running unopposed for another four year term. You can learn more about the treasurer’s office through their website here.

In an era where public trust in government is more important than ever, the county treasurer stands as a critical position in county government to the values of accountability, transparency, and dedicated public service.

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