ELECTION 2018: Clerk & Recorder/Treasurer/Superintendent of Schools

Nichol Scribner is running unopposed for Sanders County Clark & Recorder/Treasurer/Superintendent of Schools.

1. How will you balance the duties of this office now that Clerk & Recorder, Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools are combined?

I have an amazing staff, as most of you know, they know their jobs and do their jobs well. The ladies that work in both the Clerk & Recorder's and Treasurer's office are critical components to the combination of the offices. Recently, the county contracted with a Chief Financial Officer, this woman and I are working closely in the transition. She will be responsible for what I currently spend the majority of my time on: budgets, annual reports to the State of Montana, and audit preparation. I will continue to collaborate with the Department of Revenue and school clerks, networking with the state-wide associations for the Clerk & Recorders and the Treasurer's and working closely with my counterparts across the State of Montana. While taking on these combined offices is new to Sanders County it is common practice throughout the State and I have great resources.

2. What will be your top priority for your office?

The top priority in this office is the tax-payer. I want to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and transparency in our local government, so tax-payer dollars are being spent and allocated in the most responsible manner possible. Improving customer service to you, the tax-payer, when you are in the courthouse, is very important to me. While I cannot guarantee the lines will be shorter or the time you spend in those lines will be shorter, I can guarantee my staff will acknowledge you and you will know that your business at the window is important to us. I will ensure accuracy and timeliness in your tax bills and payments. I want to make sure that the county departments, cities, schools and special districts within the county have the operating monies they are counting on in a timely manner and that the funds being allocated to their funds are accurate.

3. What is the biggest issue facing our county and what can you do to address the issue?

The biggest issue facing our county from the perspective of the Clerk & Recorder and Treasurer offices is finances. There are always things that need to be done and not enough money to go around. The cost of doing business continually rises and the money coming into the county does not keep up with those costs. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer will ensure the taxpayer dollars coming into the county is being reconciled and allocated correctly. In addition, providing oversight to my staff to validate that they have all the tools, training and pieces of the puzzle to do their jobs effectively. 

4. Looking ahead to the end of your term, what one significant change would you initiate?

The timeliness and accuracy of the tax-payer dollars received by the county. I believe in government transparency and looking out for you, the taxpayer. I believe elected officials should have an open-door policy, if you have questions about how my office is run or how your tax bill is calculated or why the budget is the way it is, I strongly encourage you to come in and see me. Thank you!