Candidate: Vickie L. Potts

I am honored to be your Tax Collector. I am seeking re-election as Tax Collector this year. I was elected as your Tax Collector in 1996 and re-elected every 4 years since. I have over 40 years’ experience in the Tax Collector\'s Office, 19 of those years as Tax Collector. I have earned the designation of CFC - Certified Florida Collector, certified by the Florida Department of Revenue, and every year I participate in the Department of Revenues continuing education certification. I’ve served as District Director, Department of Revenue Chair, and Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Chair for the Florida Tax Collectors Association. I serve on the Admissions and Certification Committee for Certified Florida Collectors and Certified Florida Collector Assistants, appointed by the Florida Department of Revenue in 2011. I am the Tax Collector Representative on the Auto Dealers Industry Advisory Board, appointed by the Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles in 2013 and 2015. In 2011 the Charlotte County Tax Collector’s Office was awarded the Excellence in Finance Operations Award from the Florida Tax Collectors Association, Inc. Only twelve of the 67 counties received this recognition. In 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 we have been awarded the Legacy Award for Financial Operations for continued excellence. The Mission of the Charlotte County Tax Collector\'s Office is to serve our citizens promptly, satisfy licensing and identification needs accurately, collect and distribute revenue, enforce the laws of the state of Florida fairly and justly. I use every opportunity to exceed the expectations of those I serve and I will continue my vision to serve our residents, tax payers and customers with such professionalism and concern that we will change their perception of government by being reliable, respectful, and fair. The Charlotte County Tax Collector’s budget is approved by the Florida Department of Revenue and is funded by fees we collect for transactions we process. Every year our revenue exceeds our expenditures. The excess revenue is distributed to the Charlotte County BOCC and other specific Taxing and Levying Authorities. The Charlotte County Tax Collector’s office has three locations: • Englewood • Murdock • Punta Gorda The Charlotte County Tax Collector’s office bills, collects and distributes Real Estate, Tangible, Business and Tourist Tax. The Charlotte County Tax Collector is an Agent for various State Agencies: • Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles providing Driver’s Licenses, Motor Voter, Motor Vehicle Registrations, Hazmat Testing, and Disabled Person Parking Permits • Department of Agriculture providing Concealed Weapon Permit Applications • Department of Health providing Birth Certificates • Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission providing Hunting and Fishing Licenses We even issue Beach Parking Permits as well as provide Mail and Courier Service for the Charlotte County BOCC. I believe that every individual should receive quality service from staff that is knowledgeable and be treated with respect while doing business with the Tax Collector’s Office. That is why I promise to efficiently and courteously carry out the duties assigned to the Office of Tax Collector. I have an open door policy and am available to the public whether you come into the office or call. I have the experience and knowledge to continue to be forward thinking and plan for the future needs of the Tax Collectors Office and the community. I will continue to serve you well, and ask you again for your support and vote. Respectively; Vickie Potts, CFC Charlotte County Tax Collector