TREASURER'S OFFICE HISTORY

 The first County Treasurer in Ohio was elected in 1827. Van Wert County's first Treasurer of record was Charles Germann, elected in October of 1867. In those early years County Treasurers served a two year term. Many of the Van Wert County Treasurers served only four (4) years.

 Those Treasurers serving after 1941 were elected for a four(4) year term. Since that time, Van Wert County has had just four Treasurers. The Honorable Walter E. Putman served 30 years from September 1941 until Feb. 1969 when he deceased while still in office. The Honorable Lloyd P. Basil was appointed to complete the unexpired term. Mr. Basil then was elected as County Treasurer to his first full term beginning September 1969.  Mr. Basil resigned effective August 31, 1993 having served over 25 years.  

The Honorable Harold L. Merkle was appointed to complete the unexpired term beginning September 1, 1993 and began his first full tem on September 6, 1993.  In November of 2002, Mr. Merkle was elected to serve as Van Wert County Commissioner and resigned the Treasurer's position effective November 30, 2002.  The honorable Beverly A. Fuerst was subsequently appointed to serve the unexpired term.

In 1989, the Treasurer's office started accepting Credit Card Payments (Master Card & Visa) toward Real Estate obligations. In 2002 taxpayers paid taxes totaling over $886,000 with their Credit Cards, and at present without any additional charge.

In 1995, the Treasurer's office started the Pre-Pay program which allows Taxpayers to prepay their taxes by the month. 

The County Treasurer serves on many County Committees which include: Budget Commission, Board of Revisions, Automatic Data Processing Board, and Microfilm Board. The Treasurer  is also chairman of the Internal Audit Committee. The Treasurer is the County Investment Officer and serves on the Investment Advisory Board.

Another facet of the Treasurer's Office is to make available to Citizens of Van Wert County the opportunity to redeem unclaimed funds that may belong to them. The list in May of 2002 included 1,892 names and funds totaling $175,956.80. Residents may stop in the Treasurer's office to check for their name, their relatives or friends, or click on unclaimed funds icon on County Treasurers homepage.

As a result of recent legislation Treasurers are required to take 12 hours of continuing education each year. This training is provided by the State Auditor and State Treasurer and their staffs.

The Staff in the Treasurers' Office is very dedicated and encourage your inquiries.