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
Laura Shurr Blaney
Campaign Phone
219-405-4029
Campaign Address and Email
laurashurrblaney@gmail.com
Experience: I've been part of Porter County Government for almost 20 years. I'm finishing up my 3rd term as County Commissioner and prior I was on the County Council for two terms. I've been President of the Porter County Government Foundation for the past 5 years. I know how local government works. Further, I come from a family of small business owners and understand the importance of excellent customer service.
Education: I hold a BS and MS from Purdue University, and I'm in my second year of law school (part-time weekend program) at Loyola University.
Personal Characteristics: Attention to detail, Ability to think outside the box, integrity, hard working, ability to develop and maintain positive relationships in all areas of government
One major challenge Porter County faces in this economic climate is that of taxpayers struggling to pay their taxes. I will do whatever I can within the confines of the law to help taxpayers create payment plans and avoid losing their homes.
Another challenge is the ability to attract and maintain excellent staff. Historically we have been able to hire top notch people due to our excellent work culture and benefits package even though our salaries do not match that of the public sector. I feel we need to refocus our efforts on maintaining a positive culture. As treasurer, I will make it an important part of my effort with weekly staff meetings, clear policies and guidelines for staff to follow; and I will hold them equally accountable.
The current treasurer is doing a good job. I would build on and refine what she has created. I would clean up the website a little bit and make sure any information a taxpayer might need is easily accessible. I would also place a renewed emphasis on customer service. The Treasurer's office should be friendly, approachable and helpful. When taxpayers are struggling to pay taxes, we should be ready to serve with any and all information regarding payment options that are provided for under state law.
The Porter Co Gov Foundation is transparent and accessible to residents. All meetings are publicly noticed and take place in the evening directly before County Council meetings. Public comment is taken at every meeting. Porter County even has a system where you can sign up for alerts regarding various meetings, including foundation meetings.
Money received by the County from the Foundation is not appropriated by the Foundation, but rather the Council. Each year the Council publicly decides how Found. funds will be spent during their budget session. There is notice and multiple public budget hearings. The Foundation is audited annually and the audit is posted on the county website. Also, all meeting minutes appear on the county website.
I look forward to potentially becoming the next County Treasurer. As a taxpayer, I know the frustration that can arise when you get sent from office to office, and can never quite seem to get your questions answered. I will run a treasurer's office with staff that is well informed and ready to help the public. If we don't have an answer, we will gladly do the work to find it. We will greet all taxpayers with smiles and respect.
The Foundation has been very successful in investing taxpayer dollars. It has added almost 40 million to the general fund (while growing the principal for future generations), which has allowed for the lowest income tax rate in the state. I will bring what I've learned as President there to my role as Treasurer.
