Trending
Michelle "Mick" Kunes
Lock Haven
I am responding to recent Letters to the Editor to clarify false statements that were made in reference to my role as county treasurer and the staff that serve that office.
I would like to note that immediately after winning the Republican nomination in the May primary, I received numerous "Right to Know" requests spanning the 14 years I have been the county treasurer. This number of requests at one time is highly unusual at any time, but appeared even more odd considering the recent primary outcome; however, the office is obligated to respond to these requests, which require multiple hours of research in order to respond. These requests created an additional workload for an office whose resources are already utilized in fulfilling our day to day obligations.
In response to the campaign contribution claim of impropriety, once the alleged accounting transaction was identified, I did file an amendment to the original Campaign Finance Report, which is a legal and approved process used to clarify these oversights.
The finding by the Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC Audit firm in 2023 was issued due to bank statements not being reconciled in a timely manner; however, the firm also noted that it was due to staff turnover in the Treasurer's Office, lack of adequate staff resources and the need to train new staff, all which created competing work priorities. I was denied supplies to work from home to provide extra time in order to complete my Treasurer's duties to compensate for our lack of staffing. In addition, information from other departments is required in order to reconcile these bank statements, and a delay in being provided this information contributed to the overall delay of reconciliation.
I would also like to state that there is NO tax revenue being lost as was stated in a previous Letter to the Editor. By law, all property owners whose property will be sold at a tax sale need to be notified using methods such as multiple certified letters, advertising and Sheriff postings. These services add costs to the property sale tax. Selling a property without proper notification causes court fees. In addition, properties cannot be sold when incorrect information is provided. There are also reasons that properties are removed from the Real Estate Upset Tax Sale, such as trailers being on the tax roll when there is no trailer in evidence, or not having the correct owner listed when owners change hands. When a property is sold at a Tax Sale, the county only receives the delinquent real estate and receives the delinquent real estate tax amount and costs. If the property sells for more than the taxes are owed, then the excess funds go to the original homeowner and not the county. Properties that do not sell still accrue interest and fees until the taxes are ultimately paid or it moves on to another sale. No revenue is lost, but it was implied that this was indeed the case, which is not true.
I would also like to mention that at the Oct. 2, 2025, commissioner's meeting that I was caught unaware by the statements that were made by Commissioner Jeff Snyder, who had not discussed the issues with me prior to his public declaration regarding his opinion that "tens of thousands of dollars were being wasted" per his comments, by paying overtime to the Sheriff's Deputies for services for posting all properties, which is patently not true. Both Commissioner Snyder and I received a report from the Sheriff's Department stating that $4,408 was paid out as overtime for the service of posting properties; therefore, his allegations were unfounded.
I also want to state that I understand all businesses need current and relevant policies and procedures upon which to base their operations. However, an efficient and effective business reviews and revises these over time in order to remain compliant; therefore, policies and procedures, which were in place 20 years ago, have been modified over time to keep pace with changing business needs. Treasurer Office policies and procedures that were in place during the prior Treasurer's tenure have been modified during my years in office.
Thank you for supporting me as your Clinton County Treasurer for the past 14 years. I have served the citizens of Clinton County loyally and faithfully in this role that you have entrusted to me, and I ask that you continue to have faith in my abilities by voting for me again as your Clinton County Treasurer on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
However you cast your vote, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Re-elect EXPERIENCE, Michelle "Mick" Kunes, to continue serving as your Clinton County Treasurer.