governmental services - GORacine.org

FUND: GENERALGOVERNMENTAL SERVICESCOUNTY TREASURERJane F. Nikolai, County TreasurerOPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSEThe County Treasurer is a State Constitutional Officer. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, the County Treasurermanages County funds by receipting all monies belonging to the County, disbursing all monies on order of theFinance & Human Resources Committee, and transferring taxes, fees, and revenues from other entities to theState Treasurer. The County Treasurer provides for the daily cash requirements of Racine County and investsavailable County funds within the guidelines set by Wisconsin Statutes and the County. In addition, the CountyTreasurer collects property taxes and enforces the administration of property tax laws, initiates the foreclosureprocess for tax delinquent properties, sells in rem properties; and collects and disburses unclaimed funds from theCounty and municipalities.EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURESCollaborated with Housing Resources to educate first time homebuyers about paying property taxes.Developed and distributed a lottery and gaming credit brochure to property owners.Sent letters and notices to delinquent property owners to encourage payment of taxes and reduce foreclosures.Met with delinquent property owners to educate them on government assistance programs, encourage them toescrow for future real estate taxes, and suggest they obtain bank financing to pay off delinquent taxes.Continued improvements to Treasurer’s webpage by adding links for various State of Wisconsin forms andguides.Enhanced customer service options by offering appointments at the Western Racine County Service Center inBurlington.Initiated measures to reduce banking costs.Redesigned Affidavit of Ownership of Unclaimed Funds form, messaging on property tax bills, anddelinquent property tax statements.Improved daily bank balancing spreadsheets.Improved customer service by implementing voicemail for the Treasurer’s Office.Reduced inventory of County owned properties by initiating Class 1 subsequent sales of in-rem parcels.Worked with Information Systems Department to replace paper copies of delinquent tax statements withelectronic format.2013 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIESContinue to streamline office processes to improve efficiencies in the Treasurer’s Office.Maintain prompt, courteous, high-quality customer service to the citizens of Racine County.Continue to cross-train staff on key functions.Continue to be a community resource by educating the public on property taxes and options to avoid taxforeclosure.Continue to collaborate with other County offices and municipalities to improve efficiencies.PAGE 4 - 1