Shirley Keller

Miller County Tax Collector Shirley Keller announces her candidacy for re-election for a seventh term.

Keller was elected in 1996 after serving as chief deputy tax collector for 16 years.

"Maintaining a modern and efficient office is a high priority to me.I will continue to upgrade the equipment in the office.This is our second year of accepting credit card payments in our office," Keller said.

"(The collector oversees) the office, which is responsible for collecting about $16 million a year in current and delinquent taxes for the general fund, road, city, fire department and schools in the county," she said."Although being tax collector can sometimes be a difficult position, the experience and knowledge in my office enables us to better carry out the duties of the collector's office," said Keller.Keller is a Democrat and a member of Highland Church of Christ.She is a lifelong resident of Miller County.Keller is a widow with three children and four grandchildren.

SHIRLEY KELLER COLLECTOR MILLER CO 400 LAUREL ST TEXARKANA AR 71854

Then panelists included Dr. Bill Christensen from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Roldolfo Pino-Robles from the University of Saskatchewan, and Chief Shirley Keller from the Raymore area bands.

Miller County Tax Collector Shirley Keller has announced her bid for re-election to a fifth term of office in the May 18 primaries.

Keller was first elected tax collector in 1996 and began her term January 1997.Before that, she served as chief deputy tax collector for 16 years.

As tax collector, Keller oversees the collection of more than $16 million in current and delinquent taxes, which are then distributed to the general fund, road fund, city funds, volunteer fire funds and school funds.

Keller said one of her top priorities as tax collector is keeping her office up-to-date.

"It's my desire to maintain an efficient and modern office.We recently upgraded our office equipment and programming to a system that is in use by a majority of the 75 Arkansas counties," Keller said.

"The new system is faster and will also cut down on the paperwork that is mailed out, with all of taxpayers' property listed on one sheet."

Keller said she keeps current on tax collector policies by attending all the continuing education seminars provided by the state and county.She said the seminars are always helpful.

"These seminars will help me keep this office up-to-date on all levels of service to the county, such as new legislative laws, how to deal with the public and the new use of the technology in this office," Keller said.

Keller is an active member of the Red River Cattleman's Association and is a lifelong resident of Miller County.She said she hopes to continue serving the residents of Miller County as tax assessor.

"I have enjoyed serving the people of Miller County and would like to continue my service to them," Keller said.