The functions of the Treasurer s office include billing and collection of property taxes; collection of Innkeeper s Tax; annual Tax Sale for unpaid real property; collection of Mobile Home and Business Personal Property taxes; delinquent government employee employer notification; surplus claims; Mobile Home transfer/moving permits; liquor license tax clearance forms; investments of the County; and serves as Treasurer for the Porter County Government Charitable Non-Profit Foundation.
First and Last Name
Jimmy Albarran
Campaign Phone
219-364-0368
Campaign Address and Email
jim.albarran@gmail.com
Social Media and Website Links
facebook.com/CitizensForAlbarran and jimmyalbarran.com
I was deputized eight years ago as the Chief Deputy Treasurer and have run the Treasurer's office on a day to day basis these past eight years. I also come to the office with real job experience in IT, accounting, tax and tax compliance. I have specific experience with fund accounting as used in government. Broad direct experience is helpful in this small staff office.
A kind and calm approach is important in dealing with taxpayers behind in their taxes or upset with increases. Having served as an ordained minister 30 years, I have demonstrated the composure to assist and find solutions where possible.
Tax billing related to parcels that have been split then sold. For technical reasons, these bills go to the seller, not the buyer. This is beyond the Treasurer's legal control and has occurred for more than a decade. This has caused non-collection of tax and can leave buyers with years of unexpected taxes. The last 2-3 years we have written personalized letters to inform recent buyers. Prior accounts in this situation are harder to solve if the properties have changed hands multiple times. The Treasurer will need to work with other elected officials to find the legal authority to solve some of the more complicated cases.
I have also started the discussion to move the county to standardize mailing addresses, not currently used.
I would like to better engage with the public to understand their tax bills and better understand our online systems with some of the shortfalls inherent in Indiana property tax.
Of course we need transparency. All meetings are public, video recorded, and posted online. I'm not aware of transparency issues, but would be open if a shortfall is brought forward. Understand that the Treasurer is a non-voting member of the board.
It takes two years to train a deputy treasurer. Direct knowledge and experience in office as well as kindness and composure are the important factors in choosing a Treasurer. This office is not political in that it does not decide spending or county policy.
I have worked for a better taxpayer experience, efficiency, standardization and reporting. I have been instrumental in coordinating accounting between offices and I have automated processes that just make the office hum at a better level.
I am at your service. Ask any question, I am glad to assist, or at least point you in the right direction. I am about solutions.
