TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE RECOGNIZED FOR FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE

The Okaloosa County Tax Collector Office was recognized by the Florida Tax Collector Association with an Award of Excellence in Financial Operations. The Tax Collector’s Office also received a Certificate of Merit for an audit clear of any findings. Chairman of the awards program, Michael C. Love said, “Okaloosa is one of only four counties in the state to receive these two awards this year.” The Excellence in Financial Operations Award was created by the Florida Tax Collector’s, Inc., in 2011 to recognize achievements and innovations in the area of government finance. Since 2011, just 20 of Florida’s Tax Collector Offices have earned the designation. The judging criterion includes four areas of competency: • Innovation and Automation • Annual Audit Report, free of any findings • Customer Focus – both internal and external customers • Budgeting expertise A panel of five finance officers established the criteria and serve on the judging panel. “The award is an important achievement for a Tax Collector’s Office,” said Love. “Ben Anderson and the staff of the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office have embraced technology as a way to enhance customer service and to promote financial accountability and transparency in government.” The judging panel was especially impressed with the Office’s program of “Doing Business Online, Not In Line” that uses smartphone technology which allows customers to conduct transactions from their phone without needing to visit an office. The technology also assists customers “on the go” to find the nearest office and view potential wait times. “The Okaloosa Tax Collector’s Office has earned the highest honor that the Florida Tax Collectors have to offer,” Love said. “And, their innovations will be shared with other Florida counties as an example of excellence.” Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson says, “Recognition on a state level is something of which we are very proud. It is affirmation of the respect we have for the Tax Payer’s dollar and commitment to provide the highest level of service.”