State comptroller leads roundtable discussion

Event serves as forum for comptroller and representatives from several associations of local officials to collaborate on distribution of tax revenues. 

Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla recently gathered local government leaders from around the state for a roundtable discussion geared toward process, training and cybersecurity enhancements. 

As a former local official, Nieshalla emphasizes the importance of the relationship between state and local government and says having open and ongoing dialogue is key to successful public service.

“By seeking the expertise of local government leaders, we gain valuable insights into their specific challenges and how our office can best be at their service,” Nieshalla said. “I look forward to incorporating the feedback from our meaningful discussions that provides input for meeting our future service delivery goals.”

One of the key responsibilities of the state comptroller’s office includes the disbursement of tax revenues to local units of government, along with the accounting and reporting of state funds, paying state employees and vendors, administering the state’s deferred compensation plan and managing the Indiana Transparency Portal.

Collaborating with local leaders fosters the highly valued relationships between the comptroller’s office and local units statewide, in addition to providing information to further empower the office’s commitment of operating in a mode of continuous improvement.

The recent discussion was focused on automating data inputs, reviewing and approving the settlement process, addressing future training needs and cybersecurity assistance to mitigate security and fraud risks.

The roundtable attendees:

• Hancock County Auditor Debra Carnes
• Clay County Treasurer Jennifer Flater
• Perry County Auditor Kristinia Hammack
• Montgomery County Treasurer Heather Laffoon 
• Noble County Auditor Shelley Mawhorter
• North Manchester Clerk-Treasurer Carrie Mugford
• Owen County Councilman Anton Neff
• Dekalb County Auditor Susan Sleeper
• Knox County Commissioner Kellie Streeter
• Henry County Auditor Debbie Walker
• Gibson County Auditor Mike Watkins. 

Attendees include the officers of their respective state associations or individuals recommended by their association (Indiana County Auditors, Treasurers, Commissioners, Councils Associations and Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Clerk Treasurers).