Franklin County treasurer to retire; special election called

Longtime Franklin County Treasurer Lynda Messenger, 65, plans to retire Nov. 15, and a special election to fill her position will be held in conjunction with the Nov. 5 general election.

Potential candidates face a deadline of Aug. 16 for submitting petitions in support of their candidacy so that their names can be added to the November ballot.

Messenger said Tuesday she was first elected treasurer in 1999 and has been a full-time employee in the treasurer’s office since May 1, 1988.

“It’s just been a wonderful privilege to serve the county,” she said. “And I leave behind a really great staff to continue to do good work in the office.”

Messenger said she remembers when computers first came to the treasurer’s office and recalls entering the first data.

She said her plans for retirement include spending more time with her husband and their grandchildren and children, as well as doing volunteer work.

The treasurer is an elected constitutional officer and serves a four-year term. Among other functions, the treasurer’s office collects personal property and real estate taxes, along with meals and transient occupancy taxes.

Interested people can find instructions for filing for candidacy here. Questions about the process can be directed to Kay Chitwood, county registrar, at 540-483-3025.

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