Piehl seeks third term

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Treasurer Cheryl Piehl is seeking a third term.

“I know the job and I am doing it well,” Piehl said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “Not only do I know the job, I know the taxpayers and citizens of Bonner County.”

The race for treasurer is shaping up to be decided in the May 25 primary election. Piehl is competing with Sagle Republican John Maras for the GOP nomination and there is no Democrat candidate in the running.

Piehl brings to the race 20 years of experience, 12 of which were as a deputy treasurer. Piehl was appointed treasurer in 2002, when Treasurer Shannon Syth was hired by the city of Sandpoint.

She has stood for election ever since and contends her latest re-election bid will maintain continuity in administration and service to the office. Piehl approaches elected office as a “working position” that requires technical expertise, energy and teamwork.

Although Piehl is responsible for collecting more than $50 million on behalf of more than 40 taxing districts within the county, she assists taxpayers in easing the tax burden through exemptions and payment plans.

The treasurer also oversees the county’s banking and investments, in addition to serving as a public administrator in estate matters where there are no heirs or wills.

Piehl cites a number of accomplishments, including holding down staffing levels even though the number of tax bills climbed from 40,000 to 50,000 over the past eight years.

Her office has also reduced the number properties that are taken to tax deed. In the past, as many as 10 properties were taken annually. Despite the economic woes in 2008, no properties were taken to tax deed. Piehl said six properties were taken in 2009, although three of them were rescued prior to sale.

Piehl said her experience has enabled her to get tax notices to landowners three weeks earlier than required by law and to work with the Idaho State Tax Commission to identify improvements and spot errors in its software.

Pihel’s goals are to further improve customer service and ways of making sure taxpayers are aware of important deadlines. Her office also makes courtesy calls to spare taxpayers additional fees and costs, which can range from $60 to $400.