Experienced, Dedicated with Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility
Dale Shugars is a dedicated public servant with a robust background in both accounting and public service. A retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Association Executive (CAE), Dale’s career spans an impressive 39 years as a member of the Michigan Association of CPAs. His extensive experience includes serving as a State Senator, State Representative, Kalamazoo County Commissioner, and Portage City Councilman. He holds a BBA from Western Michigan University, with majors in Accountancy and Political Science. Dale’s education and decades-long commitment to his profession uniquely equips him to manage and safeguard Kalamazoo County’s finances effectively.
Collaboration and Leadership
Collaboration is at the heart of Dale’s approach. With over 13 years in local government, 12 years in state government, and more than a year in federal government, Dale has a profound respect for the roles of local treasurers. He aims to work as a team to administer property tax laws and manage delinquent real tax levies, leveraging his accounting background and over 25 years of public service experience to fulfill the responsibilities of County Treasurer. Dale’s tenure as treasurer for numerous non-profit organizations further attest to his capability and dedication.
Dale’s Vision
As a former CPA, State Senator, State Representative, County Commissioner, City Councilmember and Congressional District Representative, I am uniquely qualified to serve as the Kalamazoo County Treasurer. My education and experience prepares me to safeguard taxpayer’s money, invest money in safe, high yield liquid investments and account for every dollar, balance every ledger account, reconcile investment reports and bank accounts on a timely basis.
My goal would be to meet all timely deadlines while implementing the General Property Tax Act, including being the agent of the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, issuing dog licenses (Dog Law 1919), administering the County’s hotel/motel accommodations tax, among many other functions required by law.
My experience in public accounting along with over 25 years serving in government gives me an improved understanding and respect for the role and responsibilities of the local treasurers. Collaborating and working with them as a team to serve the taxpayers in fulfilling the duties of the Treasurer would be a major goal.
Also, as former Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association and being part of the Market Place neighborhood’s successful development with the previous County Treasurer, City of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo County Land Bank will help me serve on the Land Bank Board as required by law.
I have been a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) 39 years.
More from Dale Shugars
These questions are asked by the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area. It is the League’s mission to bring clear non-partisan information about candidates and issues to the voters of our community.
You can read Dale’s responses below or at vote411.org.
- Safeguard taxpayer’s money
- Invest money in safe, high yield, liquid investments
- Account for every dollar, balance every ledger account, reconcile investment reports and bank accounts, process transmittals from various departments and electronic payments, bond payments, etc. on a timely basis. Partner with the local treasurers to serve all taxpayers efficiently and effectively. Work together to ensure accurate bills are sent and a smooth settlement with all parties. NOT to have any Auditor’s negative Comments regarding material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as now occurs in annual audits.
My approach will be to lead rather than be a boss as the County Treasurer. I would strive to provide the staff with support, tools and training to carry out the duties & responsibilities of the Office of the County Treasurer. Our goal would be to meet all timely datelines while implementing the General Property Tax Act, including being the agent of the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, issue dog licenses (Dog Law 1919), administering the County’s hotel/motel accommodations tax, among many other functions required by law. My experience in public accounting along with over 25 years serving in government uniquely qualifies me for this position.
Having served in local, state, federal government for over 25 years, I have an improved understanding & respect for the role and responsibilities of the local treasurers. Collaborating & working with them as a team to serve the taxpayers in fulfilling the requirements of the general property tax laws and for the collection & distribution of delinquent real tax levies would be a major goal. Also, having worked for the Home Builders Association and being part of the Market Place neighborhood successful development with the previous County Treasurer, City of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo County Land Bank will help prepare me to serve on the Kalamazoo County Land Bank Board.