SMETHPORT — McKean County Treasurer Melissa Jo Smith has announced her candidacy for reelection on the Republican ticket at the May 18 primary election.
Now rounding out her first term, Smith said, “Since becoming treasurer, I have implemented a new accounting software to streamline the issuance of dog licenses, small games of chance and bingo licenses.”
In addition, Smith has updated many internal controls, policies and accounting processes.
“During my term, our office was able to increase hotel excise tax income by seven percent of its annual income,” Smith added.
As treasurer, Smith also assisted in the preparation and processing of applications for small business grants throughout the county for COVID-19 Relief funds. She is now working on online bill payments for Bradford City County Tax collection, “along with other ideas to keep McKean County moving in a positive direction.”
From 2015-19, Smith was the appointed secretary/treasurer for Keating Township. During that time, she worked extensively with township supervisors in developing budgets that enabled the municipality to purchase new equipment and address various road and bridge projects. Additional responsibilities, Smith noted, included payroll, tax collections, AP/AR, insurance, pensions and annual audits.
Prior to her employment with Keating Township, Smith served as office manager for Bob Cummins Construction for four years, staff accountant for Joel Anderson, CPA, and owned and operated Bridal Boutique and Tuxedos from 2004 to 2014.
A Bradford native, she is a 1996 graduate of Bradford Area High School. In 2000, Smith received a dual bachelor’s degree in business management and economics with a minor in accounting from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
She is a member of the McKean County Republican Committee and the Pennsylvania State Republican Committee. In March, Smith was appointed to the Rew Water Association’s board of directors.
She and her husband of 15 years, Chris “Topher” Smith reside in Rew with their three children, Mayla, Maverick and Clayson.
