To the Editor:
The role of the Allegany County Treasurer
The County Treasurer plays a crucial role in local
government finances; New York State County Law § 550 (1) states that the County
Treasurer shall perform the duties prescribed by law as the Chief Fiscal Officer
of the County. Such County Treasurer shall perform such additional and related
duties as may be prescribed by law and directed by the Board of Supervisors.
New York State County Law § 550 (2) further states that the
County Treasurer shall receive and be the custodian of all money belonging to
the County or in which the County has an interest and shall keep a true account
of all receipts and the expenditures in books provided by him/her at the
expense of the County.
The duties of the County Treasurer require strong
communication skills, attention to detail and an understanding of laws and
regulations. Some key responsibilities include:
1. Revenue Collection: The Treasurer is responsible
for collecting various taxes, including property taxes, sales tax and other
local fees. The Treasurer has no authority to reduce sales tax rates, real
property tax rates or any local fees.
2. Cash Management: Manage the County’s cash flow to
ensure that there are sufficient funds for daily operations and obligations.
3. Investment Management: The Treasurer oversees the
investment of County funds, ensuring they are used effectively while minimizing
risk.
4. Budget Oversight: The Treasurer works with the
County budget; monitoring revenues and expenditures while ensuring compliance
with financial policies.
5. Financial Reporting: The Treasurer prepares
financial reports and statements that provide insight into the County’s
financial status.
6. Delinquent tax collection: The Treasurer serves as
the Chief Tax Enforcement officer; enforcing Article 11 of the NYS Real
Property tax law.
7. Public Relations: The Treasurer serves as a point
of contact for the public regarding financial inquiries, payment options and
tax information.
8. Compliance: The Treasurer ensures that all
financial activities comply with internal and external auditing procedures,
State and Federal regulations as well as NYS Comptroller guidance, Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board
(GASB). The Treasurer must navigate a landscape filled with financial,
regulatory and public relation challenges to effectively manage the County’s
funds. Under no circumstance does the County Treasurer set County policy;
the Treasurer is responsible for enforcing and monitoring fiscal policy enacted
by County Law, General Municipal Law, Local Finance Law and the County Board of
Legislators.
As your next Treasurer, I will ensure that your hard-earned
tax dollars are managed wisely and efficiently.
I am committed to serving our County with integrity,
transparency and fiscal responsibility. I am dedicated to making our financial
processes more understandable for all citizens. I humbly ask for your support
and trust in this important position. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jenna L. Kelley
