Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 9, 1993 TAG: 9307090215
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
In making her bid for a second term, Turner cited her success last fall in getting additional money from the state Compensation Board to run the commissioner's office through the end of the year after City Council turned down her request for an additional $2,800.
The Compensation Board is supposed to pay at least half of the cost of running Turner's office.
She said that after council gave her only $612, she got help from Del. Tommy Baker, R-Radford, and Sen. Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, R-Fincastle, to get most of the money her office needed.
"We're managing to hang on with what we have," she said Thursday, although she said her office could use another part-time worker.
She also cited an "excellent working relationship" with the city treasurer's office. "If we don't have that cooperation, the citizens lose," she said.
Turner estimated her office handles $3 million to $4 million in state income tax returns, personal property taxes, city business license, meals tax collections and other tax-related business.
She said computerizing her office has increased productivity and efficiency, as well as improved service to taxpayers. Her office now has computer links with both the Department of Taxation and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
She also said her office contributed to efforts to develop a new personal property and city motor vehicle decal form that makes it easier for taxpayers to file accurate, timely returns.
Turner defeated David Worrell in 1990 to succeed Inez Pedigo, who retired. Turner had been Pedigo's deputy for 13 years. She got her commissioner-of-the-revenue certification from the University of Virginia in 1992.
by CNB