The Watonwan County Treasurer is an elected position with a four year term. The Treasurer, as the county cashier, serves as custodian of all county funds and cash assets, and handles all funds received and/or paid out by the county.
The Treasurer is responsible for investment of all county surplus funds, designation of depositories, securing collateral to protect Watonwan County funds, and determines terms of investments.
The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for the mailing of approximately 7500 tax statements and “truth in taxation” notices annually, along with the collection of real estate, mobile home, and personal property taxes. They also distribute the monies collected to each taxing unit, which includes Watonwan County, Cities and Townships, School Districts and Region 9.
Other functions of the Treasurer’s Office include calculating and collecting deed tax and mortgage registration tax, reconciling of the county bank accounts, tax searches, and escrow accounts for tax payments.
The Treasurer’s and Auditor’s Offices cooperatively prepare fund balances each month as a check and balance accounting system.