Get to know the Candidates!
Sheila Reeves for Owen County Auditor
The decision to run for County Auditor was re-considered; and made with the determination to be the one of the many candidates this election who wants to help “Rebuild our Owen County”. The lack of Trust, Respect, and Communication has created an environment that is detrimental for you the Taxpayers–those that we are elected to serve!
As the Auditor one of my responsibilities as the Chief Fiscal Officer is to ensure that I am performing such duties as may be directed by law and adhering to the state regulations for said duties. This position is a very fine line and has a duty to strive to work professionally with each and every elected official and department head in this vital role. The oversight and responsibility of keeping financial books and records of all county offices to offer the “checks and balances” system that provides the “accountability and integrity” and the utmost transparency is an absolute must! Brief overview of an Auditor’s Duties: They Ensure compliance with established Internal Control Procedures. Financial-Budget Preparation for Council, Preparation of the County Annual Report, Additional Appropriations, Transfer of Funds, County Payroll, Employee Benefits and Accounts Payable and Receivable. Taxation-Manages the filing of all exemptions and deductions allowed by State Statute, Maintains property ownership and current mailing addresses, Handles all transfers of ownership of real property, Tax Sale Publication and Records of Sale/Deeds, Tax Abatements, and Preserves Plat Maps.
Also serves as Secretary to the County Commissioner’s and County Council. A Team effort working with the Assessor and Treasurer is also an absolute necessity to carry out the interdependent duties. The Auditor and Treasurer provide the daily/monthly/annual financial checks and balances of all funds.
My dedication already includes countless hours and several meetings a year in my current position, where I have served as the Health Department-Office Manager for almost 22 years; I’m a very honest, responsible, loyal, hard-working and compassionate person with a heart for this County that would be an asset in the demands of fiscal accountability.
Some of my Qualifications & Experience that I know I can bring to the table based on my county employment past and present. I served a four year term on the Owen County Council thus giving me the working knowledge of processing all county department budgets across the board; including preparing and administering records and forecasting data for budgetary purposes and meeting both state and local deadlines just to name a few necessary duties for the position. I also have banking experience and worked for our local Economic Development Corporation before coming to the Health Department.
On a daily basis I oversee the staff in their respective roles as well as serve the public, issue vital records, manage multiple budgets and funds for the department; that already provides a direct working relationship with the Auditor’s Office. I prepare all budgets and reports to present to the Health Board, County Council and Commissioners. As a Grant Writer which requires meticulous details; I obtain funds through the Indiana State Health Department and Department of Homeland Security for at least $75,000 per year for various daily expenses as well as many projects we provide throughout the community. General duties also include accounting and processing payroll, claims, daily bank deposits, and monthly report of collections for State Board of Accounts annual Auditing.
In addition to the financial aspects of my job; I wear many hats and have obtained multiple certifications to meet various State and Federal requirements allowing me the ability to learn to work under pressure, meet deadlines, be self-motivated with determination and confidence, preparing reports and implementing processes and procedures. I am Co-Coordinator for the Emergency Preparedness position in our department, a Member on our local Child Fatality Team, Local Emergency Planning Committee-Member and Secretary, Emergency Management Advisory Council-Member and Secretary, County Food Inspector and Assistant Environmentalist.
On a personal level I currently serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Owen County Republican Party; where I have also served as the Treasurer and Secretary over the past few years.
If elected as your AUDITOR I promise to be held;
Accountable in providing the financial reckoning for all county fiscal reporting processes mandated
Utilize all resources and capabilities to perform the job duties and ask for assistance when needed
Dependable in making firm decisions to correct current and past mistakes and move forward
Integrity to provide the honesty for adherence to moral and ethical principals as well as checks and balances
Transparency & Trustworthy as I can be relied upon to do what is needed and right
Organized to run an office that is able to keep/provide things in a efficient-effective manner to better serve all
Respectful with high regards and courtesy to my staff, elected officials, co-workers and you the taxpayers!!
Again, I believe my commitment to the county has definitely given me the experience with County Government that provides the necessary “Working Knowledge” for daily effective-efficient management as your next County Auditor and I will work very hard and diligently toward this goal for the now; and the future.
My Faith in GOD, Support from my Family, and Trust and encouragement from my Friends are my strength to help achieve these goals and make Owen County “Sweet Again for you the taxpayers and voters! You may contact me at sheila.reeves62@hotmail.com or 812-821-5674
I’d appreciate your Support and Vote in this election!