Warren County treasurer reports more than $1 million in investment income; announces retirement

Barney, Warren County treasurer, told the commission that the county earned "over a million dollars in investment income" in the past year as maturing, lower-rate holdings were reinvested at higher yields. "Mature, with the lower rates that we had to buy when everything was pushed down or maturing, and we can reinvest those at higher rates," he said.

The comments came during the required quarterly meeting of the county's investment advisory committee, which the commission said is composed of the three county commissioners and the clerk of courts. Commissioners noted the clerk of courts is a statutory member but has sometimes declined to attend. "The statute says he is a member, and... he chooses not to come before us," one commissioner said.

Commissioners and others praised Barney ahead of his planned retirement. "Thank you, it's been a privilege to be here and to serve the citizens of Warren County," Barney said. Commissioners described his service as "phenomenal" and said he helped improve the county's financial position. One commissioner said the updates from the treasurer helped them understand investment instruments and yields.

On tax administration, Barney said second-half property tax bills are due "next Wednesday," and reported that the county had collected $199,000,000 in second-half payments as of the close of business the previous day. He also noted the penalty schedule for late tax payments, saying a one-day late payment results in a 5% penalty and citing the Ohio Revised Code in explaining the statutory penalty structure.

The commission closed the item with thanks and plans to host a retirement event for the treasurer next month.

The record shows discussion about the investment advisory committee's composition and attendance, a summary investment performance note, a retirement acknowledgement, and tax-collection figures. No new policy or budget action was taken during the discussion.