County Commission | The Magazine October 2017 | Page 43

A voice from Alabama’s 67 counties Kim Creech, CRE Clerk/Treasurer, Baldwin County President, County Revenue Officers Association of Alabama (CROAA) A Q The Alabama Legislature reconvenes January 9, and counties are sure to battle another avalanche of proposed tax exemptions. How do CROAA members help the “One Voice” protect county revenues? A As an organization, we actively monitor new bills or amendments that propose tax exemptions. Individual CROAA members calculate the potential effects of proposed bills to their jurisdiction, and we are then able to contact elected officials with concerns and suggestions as “One Voice.” Q How is the shift to an increasingly digital economy affecting the day-to- day work of county revenue officers and license inspectors? It presents both benefits and challenges for revenue officers and license inspectors. Benefits include the availability of electronic records and the wealth of information regarding businesses and business owners that is available on the internet. Some of the challenges that we currently face arise due to the dated laws and regulations that have not evolved at the same pace as the changes in technology. Examples include digital downloads and cloud-based software. Q Alabama’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax remittance has gotten significant positive attention on the national stage. How has its successful implementation affected the work of county revenue officers? A L A B A M A G UA R D R A I L , I N C . Catherine Huff President / Owner Office Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Physical Address ~ 60701 US Hwy 231 Oneonta, AL 35121 Mailing Address ~ P O Box 126 Cleveland, AL 35049 A G R Specializing in the Installation of Highway Guardrails, Signs & Fencing COUNTY COMMISSION | 43