Bush looks at 24 years of progress

Peggy Bush has announced her retirement as Bedford County Trustee when new county officials take office in September following the August general election.

Bush has been elected to six four-year terms in the office since 1986.

"It has been a real honor to serve as Bedford County Trustee," said Bush in a statement.

"I feel that we have accomplished a great deal during my term as trustee. We have taken this office from a manual accounting system with a total county budget of approximately 12 million dollars to an efficient computerized accounting system handling a total budget from 80 to 120 million dollars each year.

"We have successfully fought hard with the state legislature over the years to increase the income limit for the Elderly and Disabled State Tax Relief program. This is a vital program designed to help our elderly and disabled pay their taxes and remain in their homes. In the past four years, the state has raised the income limit to allow us to give the discount to many more deserving taxpayers. The process of income verification to qualify the elderly requires a lot of work and extra attention ... but it is well worth the effort if we can help. The program is fully funded by the state and [creates] no cost to the county other than labor and minimal processing costs.

"I feel that we have greatly improved the county's accounting system .... I have continuously implemented procedures that not only are more efficient but also reduce the risk of loss for the county. I take great pride in the fact that one of our head auditors for years said that she always sent her new auditors to our office the first time they audited a trustee's office because she wanted them to see what it looks like when it's done right first....

"My staff and I have concentrated heavily on making sure that this office has maintained outstanding audits and accuracy for the past 24 years. I am extremely proud of our yearly state audit reports....

"During my tenure, my office has handled the county's cash investments .... We have maximized investment income and maintained liquidity utilizing a safe combination of the State Local Investment Pool and local banks."

Bush also cited the adoption of a county-wide checking system, imaging of documents to save storage space, software backup procedures, and a plan to allow taxpayers to make payments by credit card, without the county incurring any card processing fees or web site expenses.

"I feel that this office has come a long way since 1986," said Bush.

Bush said that after her retirement, she plans to stay busy on the family farm, spend time with her great-grandchildren and remain active in the Shelbyville Lions Club.