Visiting Rotarians included Dave Jones, our District Governor and Olivia Pilon, from the Akron Rotary Club. There was one guest, Chief Nick Shearer of the Kent Police Department.  He was a guest of Fire Chief Bill Myers.

 

Dues for the new Rotary year are now due. President Dave asked us to bring non-perishable goods to the Rotary meeting next week to be donated to Kent Social Services.  Dave also reminded Rotary Board members of the Board meeting to be held at 7 pm this coming Thursday on zoom.

 

Amanda Senn invited us to attend North Water Street Brewing next Thursday for Trivia Night.

 

President Dave asked Bill Childers to introduce our speaker, Portage County Treasurer Brad Cromes.  Bill noted that Brad held a B.A. from Hiram College and a M.A. and J.D. from the Ohio State University.  He worked for the Board of Elections prior to beginning his service as Portage County Treasurer.  He is an active volunteer with community organizations and lives in Ravenna with his wife, Lindsey, and 2 sons.

 

Brad began his talk with information about the office of County Treasurer and what the Treasurer does.  The Treasurer collects county taxes, serves as the chief investment officer, as well as the county banker.  In addition, he serves as chair of the Portage County Land Bank and serves on the Board of Revision, Budget Commission and Data Processing Board, by virtue of his office.  Brad is also involved with the County Treasurers Association for the state.  Brad talked briefly about the organization of county government and positions of Auditor, Commissioners, and Budget Commission.

 

The Treasurer collects revenue from property taxes, sales and use taxes, income taxes and user fees. Those sources of income pay for government services, transit, roads and bridges, land bank and other operations and improvements. Brad began his career as Treasurer in 2015 and he detailed accomplishments year by year up to the present. Notable work results include updating the office, expanding payment options, improving the website and offering social media platforms.  Brad received recognition as a certified governmental and financial manager (CGFM).  He offers a Financial Wellness Fair annually. That programrecently received an award.  Electronic tax bills are now sent upon request. Tax lien programs have been revamped. A fellowship program was started with Ravenna high school students.  Just this year work began with My Brother’s Keeper, designed to promote career entrance for young men of color.

 

Brad highlighted several programs and circulated brochures.  One program lets folks make monthly payments toward their bi-annual tax bills.  There is a property tax relief program for low- income residents in coordination with Job and Family Services and CAC Utility Assistance.  Details of the programs are included in the brochure. Portage GrowLink provides discounts on home equity loans and loans on family farms or small businesses.  GrowLink works with local banks including Hometown and Portage Community banks.

Brad’s goals for the future include a focus on financial wellness and financial literacy.

There were several questions at the end of Brad’s talk.

 

Brian Bialik stated that Brad’s contributions to modernizing the office of Treasurer and other new programs and ventures are very impressive.  He thanked Brad for talking with us today.

 

The meeting was closed with the Four Way Test.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Hetrick