The Coshocton County Beacon October 24, 2024 | Page 21

Thursday , Oct . 24 , 2024 • 8:30 am - 4:00 pm The doors will open at 8:30 am for a Breakfast Boutique Lunch 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Highlights of the day : Bake sale , homemade noodles , grave saddles , thrift store , holiday items and much , much more !!
“ Leading Souls to Christ ”
October 24 , 2024 The Beacon • 21

2 running for Coshocton County treasurer position

A local contested race on the Nov . 5 general election ballot is for county treasurer . Here is a look at the two candidates : current treasurer Janette L . Donaker ( Republican ) and Kristine Kempf ( Democrat ).
Janette L . Donaker Why are you running for this position ?
As your dedicated Coshocton County treasurer , I want to continue with my strong commitment of managing our county ’ s finances in a safe and efficient manner . I am passionate about continuing to serve our community .
What past experiences qualify you for this position ?
I have 30-plus years of financial experience in our county . Prior to becoming county treasurer , I spent many years preparing myself by serving as a township fiscal officer for 18 years . In addition , I was employed by the Coshocton County Prosecutor ’ s Office for four years , Coshocton County Auditor ’ s Office for five years and am currently in my 14th year as county treasurer .
I feel one of my major
Janette L . Donaker
accomplishments while serving as county treasurer has been my consistent 96 % and above collection rate of current real estate and manufactured home taxes each year . My employees work diligently to stay in contact with taxpayers , reminding them of their payments . My office also works hard on the collection of prior-year unpaid taxes . My first year in office I collected $ 2 million of prior years ’ delinquent taxes , helping the different county entities obtain their expected revenue .
As serving as the county ’ s chief investment officer , I feel another one of my accomplishments is last year I received from my investments over $ 2.5 million in interest , which is deposited into the county ’ s general fund and is used by many county entities .
What would be your top priorities if elected ?
One of my goals for my next term in office would be to continue finding new ways to make it more convenient for taxpayers to pay their tax obligations . I will explore having treasurer ’ s office employees manning different locations to collect tax payments at scheduled times . I also will look into having kiosks located in the
larger villages within the county .
Since coming into office , I have initiated many new options to make it easier and more convenient for the taxpayers . I have set up automatic bank withdrawals at the taxpayer ’ s request , initiated county employee paycheck withholding , started a prepayment program where we take any amount of money at any time to put toward future taxpayers ’ obligations , and now offer a website for taxpayers to go and pay their taxes with credit cards or eChecks . I also have my drive-thru open year round .
Kristine Kempf
Another goal I have is to finish implementing a new software system , shared with the auditor ’ s office , which replaces a very old and antiquated system . The new software improves the processing of payments in my office in a more expedient and efficient manner . The new system also enhances the accuracy of the auditor ’ s website .
Kristine Kempf Why are you running for this position ? I decided to run for county treasurer after the release of the Ohio Auditor of State Report , which highlighted significant deficiencies and material weaknesses under the current treasurer ’ s leadership . I believe these findings call for a change . Voters deserve a choice in the upcoming election , armed with the facts .
What past experiences qualify you for this position ?
My background in banking and financial institutions equips me with the necessary skills to ensure proper checks and balances in this role . As an area manager , I conducted business and financial audits across multiple locations , gaining experience in collections , budget management , tax filing and employee supervision . Most importantly , I ’ ve always prioritized providing excellent customer service .
What would be your top priorities if elected ?
If elected , I would bring a fresh perspective to the office . My priorities would include filling any vacancies with qualified , capable community members . I also would ensure county equipment and time are strictly used for county business , not personal activities .

Holiday

BAZAAR

Thursday , Oct . 24 , 2024 • 8:30 am - 4:00 pm The doors will open at 8:30 am for a Breakfast Boutique Lunch 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Highlights of the day : Bake sale , homemade noodles , grave saddles , thrift store , holiday items and much , much more !!

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