Coffee County trustee highlights strong collections, requests 12% staff wage increase

John H. Marchesoni, representing the Coffee County Trustee’s Office, told the Budget and Finance Committee the office collected more than $35 million in property taxes this year and reported a 98% collection rate on April 5.

Marchesoni said investment income had climbed—citing about $3.8 million in interest income—and attributed the gain to higher interest rates during the recent period and sizable federal ARPA flows that increased fund balances countywide. He said the trustee’s office invested county funds and that strong collections and investment returns contributed to the county’s improved balances.

The nut graf: Based on performance and the rising cost of living, Marchesoni asked the committee to approve a 12% wage increase for trustee office employees and said the office would need roughly $6,400 for computer hardware and software to maintain collection activities.

Marchesoni described operational details—summer collection campaigns that produce large collections, the use of a delinquent tax attorney paid from collections, and the recent transition to internet tax sales through a vendor that helped speed some sales. He said the trustee’s staff processed more than 1,200 tax relief applications for seniors and disabled veterans and praised staff performance.

Committee members asked about whether such investment performance was sustainable; Marchesoni said returns depend on markets and noted a seasonal liquidity pattern in summer months. He also explained the office’s approach to distributing prior raises and said future distributions tied to the proposed 12% would consider performance and leveling needs.

This presentation was informational; committee members did not vote on the trustee’s wage request during the meeting.

Actions: none taken on the wage request at this meeting.