Candidate: Terry Trail

My name is Terry E. Trail, I am seeking election for the position of Tax Collector for Gilchrist County. As of January 2, 2020, I was employed with the Tax Collector's Office for 21 years. Originally hired by the Honorable Winfred "Wimpy" Welch on January 2, 1999. In 2011, I became the Assistant Tax Collector under the direction of the Honorable Marilyn Bruce and remained so under the direction of the Honorable Barbara Merritt, until her retirement. 

I served as Interim Tax Collector for Gilchrist County until July 26, 2019. During my time as Interim Tax Collector, I laid the groundwork for Driver's License approval for Gilchrist County.

It was requested that I resign to run for Tax Collector in 2020. After that time, I was employed by Gainesville Regional Utilities. I have continued to further my career and knowledge with GRU, managing reviews of Building Permits and Project Site Plans, in the position of Technical Support Specialist, III, in the New Services Department. 

I have always been on top of the latest innovations in customer service. I held the Certification from the Florida Department of Revenue as Certified Florida Collector Assistant between 2007 until 2020, which will be reinstated with the State of Florida, when elected. I am well versed in the Florida Statutes and Laws which govern our State Tax Collectors Offices and to this day continue to use the Florida Statutes for various situations in my work with Gainesville Regional Utilities, where needed.

During my time in the Tax Collector’s Office, I always had an open-door policy and made time for our customers, taking the necessary steps to assist them in any way possible. As Tax Collector, I will bring the excellence in community service back into the Tax Collector’s Office.  

This has always been more than a career to me, it has always been my heart, and my passion. Although it may not always be obvious, there are many in our community that need assistance or a helping hand, they need someone that will take the time to listen and assist. Making that personal service available to everyone is my goal.

I pledge to serve everyone with professionalism, knowledge, confidence and genuine compassion, and will provide you with excellent customer service.  It is very important to have a Tax Collector’s office where you feel comfortable and assured that your business is valued and treated with the excellence that you deserve. I promise to bring that comfortable feeling back to the Gilchrist County Tax Collector’s Office.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Feel free to contact me:

E-mail: Terrytrail24@yahoo.com