By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

Karen Lindler Smith has worked in the Newberry County Treasurer’s Office since 1988. She began at the counter and worked her way up to treasurer.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_DSC_0155.jpgKaren Lindler Smith has worked in the Newberry County Treasurer’s Office since 1988. She began at the counter and worked her way up to treasurer. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — October will mark the 28th year that Karen Lindler Smith has worked in the Newberry County Treasurer’s Office and for eight of those years, she has been the Newberry County treasurer.

As the treasurer, Smith’s responsibility is to collect taxes, apportions and distribute tax collections. Newberry County taxpayer money is very important to Smith, and because of that she recently worked to invest for the highest yield possible within the state laws.

“I recently put the county’s money out for bids. Each bank in Newberry County was contacted and they were given the opportunity to submit a proposal for the banking needs of Newberry County,” Smith said. “Several banks presented proposals and each proposal was carefully studied and reviewed. The bank providing the best proposal received the privilege of receiving the county’s money.”

During her nearly three decades in the office, Smith said one of the biggest changes she has seen is technology. She said when she first started they were just getting computers, but that has now expanded.

“Technology is great. We now have the GIS system and we can pull anything by name or map number. People can also pay online, pay on the phone,” Smith said. “Technology has just improved so much, I hope it continues to grow.”

She added that technology has not only made daily operations better in her office, but for taxpayers as well. She said the biggest example of this is payments.

“Online payments are picking up, but is a convenience charge, some people come in, but use debit/credit cards over the counter. People who are out of town pay over the phone,” Smith said.

Having a professional and friendly staff is also important to Smith. Her staff includes four individuals, two of which are on the front lines at the counter.

“Because nice matters, I really push that because nobody likes to pay taxes. I have gotten compliments on my staff, that we are very nice. That means a lot,” Smith said. “Without my staff, I would not be where I am today.”

Working in the Treasurer’s Office was the 53 year old Smith’s first job.

“I started at the counter and worked my way up, I was deputy treasurer for a good many years. When Mrs. Floyd retired I ran, and this is my second term as treasurer,” Smith said. “I am going to sign up for my third term in March. I always thank the voters of Newberry County for electing me to be their county treasurer.”

Smith worked under two previous treasurers before being elected herself, George Summer, who hired her in 1988, and Judy Floyd. Smith decided to run when Floyd retired because she says she is just a people person.

“I love helping people, I have an open door policy here. If I do not have the answer to your question, I will find the person who does,” Smith said. “I enjoy working for the taxpayers. When I ran I pushed the open door policy. You do not have to have an appointment. If you have questions, comments or concerns, I am always here.”

Smith graduated from Mid-Carolina High School in 1980 and has taken business classes at the Career Center and Piedmont Technical College. She has also attended seminars to further her education as well.

Smith was born at the Mills Clinic in Prosperity to James “Pal ” and Patricia Dominick.

“I was born at the Mills Clinic, where the Dollar General is in Prosperity. I was not born at home, but I was born in Mills Clinic,” Smith joked. “My two sisters, Tammy and Julie, were born at Mills Clinic as well.”

Smith has lived in Prosperity her whole life. She currently lives less than a half a mile from her parents. She lives in the same house as she did in 1980, and says she is just a country girl.

“I like to spend time with my family, like to work in my yard and I like my flowers,” Smith said. “I also love animals. I have four dogs, four cats and my daughter has a hedgehog.”

Smith is married to Joey Smith, and has a daughter, Megan. Her daughter recently graduated from North Greenville University with her B.A. in health promotion and wellness.

“Without my family, husband, daughter, my parents, I would not be where I am today,” she said. “As far as campaigning, Daddy is the sign maker, he puts up my signs. Joey is the legman, he helps me campaign door to door, my daughter helps me campaign door to door as well.”

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.