Tax Assessor files for re-election

Van Zandt County Tax Assessor-Collector Shirley Chisham has announced her candidacy for re-election.

Chisham has filed for the Republican Primary Election set for March 1.

Chisham said during her first term in office she has been “encouraged by the overwhelming support” received from citizens for providing a customer-service oriented level of professionalism to the tax assessor-collector office. 

“This is being achieved by ensuring a friendly atmosphere where all citizens feel welcomed, being sensitive to the needs of each individual customer, as well as keeping the tax assessor-collector office open during lunch hours and extending the main office hours from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.,” Chisham said.

Chisham said she strives to make sure each customer is treated fairly, equally and with respect.

Throughout her first term. there have been challenges requiring positive solutions, Chisham said.

For example, due to the burglary at the main TAC office prior to her taking office in January 2013, Chisham implemented a new policy requiring daily bank deposits “to ensure the security of the taxpayers’ money,” she said.

Additionally, in June 2013, Chisham said she suggested to the former county judge that an outside audit be conducted to assist in finding money that was allegedly in the tax assessor’s bank account prior to Chisham taking office.  To her knowledge, Chisham said her request wasn’t addressed until after the newly elected county judge, Don Kirkpatrick, took office in August 2014.  

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