Marengo County Revenue Commissioner Sharon B. Barkley announced Monday her plans to run for office in the 2014 election. She has worked in the revenue commissioner’s office since 2005.

“I love working with the public and glad when I’m able to help customers with property issues,” Barkley said. “I would like to say what a privilege it has been to serve the citizens of Marengo County as Revenue Commissioner since being appointed by Gov. Bentley on Sept. 6, 2012.”

Barkley added that she feels it is important to keep the public informed about what is going on in her office. She uses her Facebook page as well as local media to keep the public informed. She also keeps the county website, www.marengocountyal.com, updated with information about her office.

One of Barkley’s goals that came to fruition was getting Windows-based property system software for the county. Special forms, which had to be ordered, can now be printed on plain paper. Instead of having to print assessment books and various other books and have them bound, the data will now be saved on an archive DVD, which will save paper and space.

Customers also now have the option to have their assessments e-mailed to them, in addition to faxing or mailing. Pictures of buildings can be photographed and uploaded to the system, and deeds that have been scanned are accessible on the system.

The public can now view deeds that have been scanned since 2008 on a GIS site, which has been a great help to appraisers, realtors and banking institutions.

“I am happy to report that this has been a great feature added to our GIS site with customers very pleased to have access to it so easily,” she added.

To help the public be aware of what to do when they buy property such as how to compute taxes, millage rates and contact numbers, she had brochures printed and distributed to Demopolis and Linden, the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Board, lending institutions, realtors and attorneys.

“I feel it is vital to have a well-trained staff, and so each of the clerks in the office as well as me have been attending property tax education courses sponsored by Auburn University,” she said. “After completing and passing five courses, I will now be eligible to take an exam in March to be a Certified Tax Administrator.”

This year, Barkley’s office mailed an Affidavit to claim Ad Valorem Tax Exemption to the tax-exempt customers who are disabled or over 65 with income limitations. The customer had the option to sign and mail it back or bring in the form and sign for their exemption.

“I am happy to offer this service so that it will be more convenient for them and alleviate the burden of having to drive to our office,” she said.

Barkley also helped set up a system for customers to be able to pay online or in her office with a credit or debit card.

Barkley said a goal she has in mind for the future is to have all property record cards scanned and be accessible on the GIS site.

“I want to have every building in the county photographed and be accessible online,” she said. “I’m looking at ways to eliminate long lines for customers during tax season to make the customers trip to our office pleasant.”

Barkley is married to Glenn Barkley, and they reside in Calvary. They have three children; a daughter, Danielle B. Hale, married to Tyler Hale, who have two children, Slade, 7 and Claire, 1; and two sons, Tim and Reid Barkley.