Democratic Candidate and current St. Mary’s County Treasurer, Jannette Norris stopped by Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com to explain the office of Treasurer, duties of the office and her candidacy for listeners and readers. Norris stated that she had been working in the Treasurer’s Office for the past 31 years and been the Treasurer for the past 16.
“I like my job,” said Norris. “My office is basically an administrator for Federal, State and Local statutes. In the immediate future, the biggest issue is budgetary constraints felt by every jurisdiction and department.” Norris went on to state that her office is responsible for collecting taxes to ensure that the government continue to provide a good level of service to the people of St. Mary’s County.
When asked about what the most difficult part of her job, Norris replied that it is the tax sale. “I have seen a lot of tears and distress and with the troubled economy, we have seen the number of accounts go from 70 to 300 in this past year.”
Norris explained that even tax sale investors are finding it difficult and that the County has had to step in on a number of accounts this year, because there were no investors to purchase the tax debt. When asked to explain the process, Norris stated, “When a property owner is delinquent, we sell the tax debt to investors who receive a 6 percent return on their investment. The property owner has 18 months to pay their tax bill, including the interest or the investor can foreclose on the property.”
She stated that she has been able to keep the interest rate down to 6 percent. “We’re the only jurisdiction able to keep that percentage this low. Some jurisdictions are 12 percent and one is 24 percent,” said Norris. “In my opinion, a higher interest rate would further burden the tax payer.”
Norris explained that in her past four terms as Treasurer that she has had no one oppose her. This year, retiring County Commissioner Raley is running against her. “Basically the primary is my race for office. There are no Republican candidates running for the position.”
The Treasurer went on explain the duties of the office of Treasurer. “We also collect personal property and business taxes, but that is not all. We issue liquor licenses on behalf of the Liquor Board. We administer and collected amusement taxes, renew auto tags and issue dog tags,” said Norris.
