ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR/TREASURER
This will be my final report to you as your Collector/Treasurer. It’s hard to believe that 25 years has passed so quickly. There have been only two tax collectors in the past 50 years; Ed Berry from 1958 to 1983 and myself from 1983 to 2008. This record will stand for some time!
Past reports have reflected on the many changes and innovations that have take place since I was elected to the office. When I started, we were printing our own bills, stuffing envelopes, running them through a postage machine and delivering them to the Post Office. These chores were outsourced with a savings in time and costs.
There was also a mishmash of computer companies producing and accounting for our various bills. We were able to consolidate these services early in our tenure thereby consolidating the responsibility with one company. We have recently accepted a state-of-the-art in-house computer system that brings us into the twenty-first century.
We also introduced a lockbox system where payments were received at an off-site location and all monies deposited directly to our account. Again,with a reduction in staff hours allowing us to absorb a reduction in staff. We have since progressed to payments online which further accelerates deposits.
Through all of these changes, and many more, the staff has been most cooperative and willing to learn. In fact, it still amazes me how they have adapted to computers and systems with little or no training. Without them and the extra effort they continue to put forth my term would have been most difficult, They are:
Betty Furey , Assistant Collector was a part-time clerk in the office when I was first elected and has been promoted to her present position some time ago. Her duties and responsibilities have become increasingly more difficult. She now has administrative, operational and supervisory responsibilities relative to the billing, collecting, and accounting of taxes, utility bills, fees and other receipts. She excels in the oversight of daily operations.
Loretta Owens, Assistant Treasurer, was in this position when I was appointed Treasurer in September, 2000. She is responsible for overseeing payroll and accounts payable functions while receiving and paying out millions of dollars by wire transfers to and from banks. She is the most likely candidate to succeed me in the Collector/Treasurer position.
Jean Richard, Data Analyst, is another long-time member of the team. Her
primary responsibility is accounting for every penny of the millions of dollars that flow through the office and she does an admirable job. She also is a self-taught computer pro and uses it to our advantage in producing notices, advertising copy, reports and many other required items.
Richelle Holbrook. Taxpayer Service, is the person who greets you at the office or on the phone with a smile on her face or in her voice. She resolves your problems quickly and efficiently. She is also computer proficient and has designed many forms for completion on the computer rather than the typewriter. Her services also requested by other departments when they are stymied by computer processes and need immediate assistance.
Pauline Sullivan, Insurance Specialist, has become the expert on health insurance and fields questions from employees and retirees concerning it.
I would like to recognize former Assistant Collector Peg Coughlin who was my partner for many years and the late Treasury Clerk Brenda Sullivan who was taken from us too soon.
Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow department managers with whom I have worked over the years. I continue to be impressed with the caliber, dedication and professionalism that they possess and believe that, as a cadre, they could run the town exceedingly well.
All good things must come to an end! See you around town.
JACK FITZGIBBONS
Collector/Treasurer
1983-2008
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