Candidate: Suzanne Johnston

Suzanne Johnston Flagler County Tax Collector Certified Florida Tax Collector In November 2004, I was elected Flagler County Tax Collector. I have served the residents of our county since that time. Customer service is my #1 priority. I have an open door policy and am always ready and willing to help you with your questions, problems or concerns. Whether visiting our Main Office, our Palm Coast Branch Office or calling on the telephone, you will always find a professional, friendly and courteous staff. You are given whatever time is necessary to explain how your taxes are calculated, how your exemptions are applied, assisting you in the vehicle title and registration process, and processing the required documents for your Driver License. Whatever the problem, however long it takes, we will help. I am grateful for your vote and support. ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE TAKING OFFICE JANUARY 2005: Opened full service Branch Office in Palm Coast, June 2006. Internet access to the tax payment process, delinquent tax records, and vehicle registration renewals. Online payments with e-check and credit cards. A reduced fee pin debit is available at the counter. Expanded office hours at Main Office with walk-up window to benefit our working residents 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Driver License Services at both locations. Road testing and medicals available at the Main Office. A real live PERSON, not a machine, answers telephones. On-line Tax Certificate Sale and Tax Deed Application process with ACH payments. Cross training for all employees, resulting in less wait-time. Any employee can process vehicle titles, registrations,vessels, tax payments, or local business tax. All employees trained through use of in-office training, State Certification classes, and coalitions meetings. Accuracy of your transaction is extremely important to both you and me. Reminder tax notices mailed each March includes all delinquent tax years. This provides notification to the taxpayer before the tax deed process begins. Purchase of High Speed Payment processing equipment to handle the high volume of tax mail resulting in higher interest earned. Tax/tag payments mailed into the office are deposited on the day received. Processor used to image State Law required 20 years tax receipts, without paying additional fees, and records retention policies in operation. Imaging of all transactions occur at Point of Payment, resulting in tighter auditing controls and easier tracking of your payment. Proof of Claims filed electronically with Federal Bankruptcy Court. Separate post office boxes utilized so the Post Office sorts our mail, not an office employee. Highly effective results in the delinquent process for mobile homes and tangible personal property accounts. “No second trip” policy implemented to assist residents with information required. We will make telephone calls to your insurance company, fax documents to your lien holder, and call DHSMV in Tallahassee to make every effort possible to prevent a return trip to the office. On-line process for Local Business Tax renewals including the renewals for the City of Bunnell. Agreement with the Department of Health to issue Florida Birth Certificates. Agreement with IRS for HUT 2290 processing. Ambulance transport billing and collection for the BCC to benefit our residents, plus maximizing collections. Beginning within the next month or so, we will begin processing Concealed Weapon Licenses for the Department of Agriculture with electronic processing to that Department. The equipment has already arrived in our office and the computer wiring is almost finished. I have employees that can speak Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Spanish, and German., and sign language. I realize that your home and vehicle are your most important assets and different countries use different words for things like Title, Registration, Lien Holder, Mortgage and Installments. With an employee speaking your language you are assured you understand the need for certain documentation and procedures. Through the use of efficiencies, innovation ideas and technology, I have been able to increase the amount of “unused fees” for the office. These unused fees are distributed to several of the taxing authorities each year-end to save you tax dollars. The Tax Collector’s Office earns fees for services provided and are used to fund the operations of the office. The more cost efficient the office is managed, the higher the unused fees. Perfect financial audit each year in office. I\'m always ready and willing to help you with your questions, problems or concerns. Customer Service is my #1 priority!