Co-workers challenge each other in County Collector race

Platte Countians can rest assured their next County Collector will have a qualified background and experience to manage the office. Both candidates are currently employees in the Collector’s office and have worked as Deputy Collectors under current Collector Donna Nash who has decided not to run for re-election this November. Democrat Becky Dye has spent 32 years in the office dating back to December 1977 with Republican Sheila Palmer’s 17 years of service dating back to September 1993. Both hope to continue their service to Platte County as the head of the office that averagely collects over $175 million dollars worth of tax revenue each year and disburses it among the county’s many taxing districts.

Dye is a life-long resident of Platte County. Growing up in the Farley and Weston area, Dye graduated from West Platte in 1977. She is married to Denny Dye. They have four adult children and six grandchildren. They currently live in Platte City.

Palmer is also a Platte County native. She graduated from North Platte and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University. Before working in the Collector’s office she worked for Tollie Freightways and United Missouri Bank. Her and her husband, Stan, have two children Nick, 16, and Maggie, 14. They also reside in Platte City.

Dye and Palmer have seen their fair share of changes in the Collector’s office and Platte County government over the years, especially in terms of technology. Dye was on hand in 1979 when the office received its first computer and in 1990 for the opening of the new administration building.

“At the time there was only one personal computer that sat in the corner and we had to take turns using it,” recalled Palmer when she joined in 1993. “We did everything by hand and typed all of our letters and reports on a typewriter.”

They’ve seen the way financial transactions have changed with the introduction of credit and debit card capabilities in the office. Both noted the growth Platte County has experienced and the challenges that come with it creating the need for the addition of the County Annex located in Platte Woods.

“Funds collected went from $10 million in 1977 to $175 million in 2009,” Dye said.

While the Collector’s office operates within a strict set of Missouri State statues that regulate its responsibilities, both have ideas they believe will not only allow the office to run more smoothly, but be a convenience to the taxpayer.

“I would like to see the process of using your tax receipt to obtain car tags an easier process,” Dye said. “It is very frustrating to the taxpayer when all things are not correct when trying to purchase car tags.”

Dye also added she would like to see the physical address of real estate printed on tax statements and the ability to use remote deposit for funds deposited in the Collector’s Office.

“If elected, I would like to offer the taxpayers the opportunity to pay their real estate taxes in quarterly installments,” Palmer said. “I believe this would be a great aid to Platte County taxpayers in helping to budget their finances in these tough economic times. I plan to stay current with new technology to make paying taxes as painless as possible.”

With a solid working knowledge of the Collector’s office and its operations, both candidates emphasized their dedication to and enjoyment in serving the taxpayer. It was also the underlying reason they believed they were the best candidate for the job.

Dye believes her work as Chief Deputy has equipped her with the necessary leadership skills and experience to effectively run the office.

“I will make myself available to the taxpayers and I will continue my dedication to the office. I know the job well and totally enjoy working with and for the citizens of Platte County,” Dye said. “It’s all in the name: Dedication, Years of service, and Experience. DYE.”

Palmer believes not only her years in the Collector’s office, but also those in other fields bring a diverse and customer-oriented strength to her candidacy.

“I feel that I am better qualified because of the diversity of my past employment. I have been very customer service oriented in all my current and past positions and I feel this is key when working with taxpayers.” Palmer said. “I have completed course work in management and finance that will help me in the smooth transition of being in charge of the collector’s office.”

After announcing their intentions to run to succeed their current boss, both have maintained a positive working relationship within the office and indicated they would continue to do so after the election. No matter the results, Platte County taxpayers can be confident their next Collector will bring experience and professionalism.