Cathy Smith

Monroe County Treasurer Candidate (Incumbent)

Smith has been the county treasurer since 2009. She received a master’s degree in engineering from North Carolina State University. She has been a project engineer, department head in engineering and director at various organizations. She previously served as Monroe County chief deputy auditor and financial director.

“Students contribute substantially to the taxes of this county, many without even knowing they do. For example, transient populations make a huge rental property base. These residents pay much more for their property tax because it is taxed at 200 percent of the resident rate, which is called the homestead rate ...

“Students are very important to our economy, and this should encourage them to vote in local elections because they have such a direct economic interest as they are major contributors to funding our local government.

“My philosophy on banking with public money is to put safety and security first, liquidity second and yield third. I have saved taxpayers substantial money by processing checks myself in-house and partnering with our banks ... Having good and varied advice, along with a good education in finance and working closely with the State Board of Accounts and our local banks, is the prime recipe for solid investment management.” 

— Mary Kenney