Published: November 03, 2007 11:49 am         

Auditor to become county’s new treasurer

DANVILLE — Nancy Marsh would’ve tried to stay on as county auditor, but state law prohibits her from seeking a third term.

So instead she’s going to be the county’s treasurer.

Marsh was elected to the position during a Saturday morning caucus of Hendricks County Republicans at the Government Center. She replaces Amy Roberts, who’s served in the position the last seven years. Roberts ran unopposed this year to be Danville’s clerk-treasurer. Marsh will serve the remaining year of Roberts’ term starting Jan. 1.

“It’s been a wild ride in the auditor’s office with property taxes, and I expect it to be the same in the treasurer’s office,” Marsh said after being announced the winner.

There were 73 precinct committeemen who voted in the caucus; all 98 of the county’s precincts were eligible to vote. Republicans got to choose Roberts’ replacement since she’s a member of that party.

Marsh’s political career began in 1994, when she was elected Middle Township Trustee Assessor. She was elected auditor in 2000, where she’s responsible for all of the county’s bookkeeping, including more than 500 funds, payroll, maintaining property ownership records, and figuring property taxes.

She considers moving to the treasurer position a natural step, since both public servants must work together to have records that balance every month, as required by the State Board of Accounts. Marsh commended Roberts’ performance during her opening remarks.

“Hendricks County is well known, respected, and maybe even envied throughout the state,” said Marsh, who was named Auditor of the Year in 2006 by the Indiana County Commissioners Association. “Even though most of the state has gone through some tough times, we are fiscally sound and have been rewarded with higher bond ratings, saving the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our status has come through hard work and dedication by a caring team of elected officials and staff.”

Shawn Cunningham was the only other Republican to vie for the open seat. A lifelong Danville resident, Cunningham has worked in the treasurer’s office 12 years. She started as a part-timer answering phones and is now the lead clerk.

Marsh takes over as treasurer at a time when property taxes remain a hot-button issue.

“My passion is helping people weather the storm of our complicated property tax system,” she said. “I have an excellent understanding of the complexities of the ever-changing system, and want to do what I can to be part of the solution.”

To her, that includes helping citizens comprehend the fluctuating property tax structure.

“It’s so interesting, and yet so hard to understand,” Marsh said. “One of my big goals is to educate people about it, so they can place blame where appropriate.”

With the election of Marsh to treasurer means the auditor position is now open. Once again Republicans will conduct a caucus to fill the vacancy 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Hendricks County Government Center.

wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com

     

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