Hardin Co. Business & Professional Women’s Club Releases Minutes from Recent Meeting

Denise Althauser

Six members of the Hardin Co. Business & Professional Women’s Club met at the Royal Buffet on September 27 at 5:30 p.m. Pres. Sandy Moore welcomed all and guest Denise Althauser, and thanked hostess Norma Frederick for the arrangements.

Before dinner, Frederick introduced Althauser to discuss some of the aspects of her job as Hardin Co. Treasurer. It was enlightening to know her responsibilities in various areas of her job. The County Treasurer is the tax collector, banker, and chief investment officer for Hardin Co. The responsibility of the Treasurer’s Office includes the collection of all real estate property tax and manufactured home tax. The treasurer must work closely with Hardin County’s Auditor who certifies the rates for most of these taxes. In addition, the County Treasurer receives all monies collected by various county offices, redeems all county warrants issued to make payment for county expenses, and prepares a financial statement which is balanced daily with the County Auditor.

As tax collector, it is the duty of the Treasurer to send the tax bills and account for payment of these taxes. Property taxes are due in February and July of each year. An escrow payment plan is offered which allows property owners to prepay monthly towards upcoming taxes. There is also a payment plan for delinquent taxes to assist property owners in catching up on unpaid taxes. If property taxes remain unpaid, it is the Treasurer’s duty to work with the County Prosecutor in foreclosing on parcels. Hardin County has around 21,000 parcels.

As Hardin County’s chief investment officer, the Treasurer invests undisbursed funds for variable periods of times to earn interest for the county’s general fund. All funds are managed to provide the necessary liquidity to accommodate the county’s financial obligations. The investment portfolio for the county totals is in excess of $43 million. In order to ensure the safety and security of these funds, they are invested in accordance to the Ohio Revised Code Section 135.35 and the county’s investment policy which is set by the Hardin Co. Investment Advisory Committee. The committee consists of the Treasurer and two members of the Board of Commissioners.

By law, the Treasurer serves on numerous Hardin County Boards which are the Investment Advisory Board, the Board of Revision (which oversees complaints from property owners who feel their property values need to be adjusted), the County Budget Commission (which takes an active role in approving the level of funding for county, cities, townships, and schools), and the Data Processing Board.

Althauser provided a booklet for the latest in our US currency design. The changes have been made to avoid counterfeiting in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Advanced security, as one example, features a 3-D Security Ribbon and Bell in the Inkwell in each $100 bill. More information can be found by visiting www.newmoney.gov.

Althauser had a question/answer period. She enjoys her position and wants to continue serving Hardin County. Moore thanked her for the valuable information. Following the dinner, a business meeting was conducted. Sec. Norma Frederick read the minutes from Ladies Night Out at Lima’s Barn Out Back in June. It was accepted. VP Vanessa Brim read a thank you letter from Rebecca Bash for the $500 scholarship that she received from BPW in June.

Treas. Connie Dietz reported that she had made the payment for the scholarship. She received donations/pin fine which was voted to be added to the scholarship fund. She has been investigating the change of banks due to the bank now charging fees. At present, the Middlefield Bank is repaying the club from a fee that was charged. The change in banks is now on hold. Her report was filed for audit.

Director Sandy Moore gave her report for the Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund for July, August, and September. For July she sent thank you notes for donations from Mary Fay, Belle Center United Presbyterian Church, and Ridgeway United Methodist Church. She paid for 2 pairs of shoes from June and July plus a check fee of $2.00 at Quest Credit Union. She also paid Golden Graphics for 400 copies of shoe applications. She had received 60 completed applications for 136 pairs of shoes to help needy students from pre-school age 4 through Grade 12. In August, there were no donations. She did pay $1,394.33 for 43 pairs of shoes plus the cost of 100 stamps and check fee. She received 36 applications representing 67 pairs of shoes. In September, she paid Shoe Sensation $4,774.22 for 128 pairs of shoes plus a Quest Credit Union check fee. She received 3 applications for 5 pairs of shoes. She has not received any new donations as of this meeting. Her report was filed for audit. Moore also stated that she will be the speaker for the Optimist Club on October 12.

Patty Garmon, Director of the Sunshine Fund, is getting low on cards and stamps. She will recommend members give donations at the October meeting.

Pres. Moore stated that the next meeting on October 25 will be at the Elks at 5:30 p.m. Melissa Tracy and Patty Garmon will co-host. The speaker will be Remie Longbrake. She reminded everyone that there is no meeting in November, December, January, and February. It is necessary to bring any socks, slippers, or underwear in October for Hardin County’s Helping Hands for the Christmas gifts for students of pre-school through Grade 12. Guests are always welcome at any meeting. The meeting was adjourned and all were wished safe travels.