Erath County Treasurer Kimberly Dowell Barrier is seeking re-election in the March 1 Republican Primary and reports that she will bring a lot of lessons and successes to the position if re-elected.
“The last four years have been an eye-opening experience full of accomplishments and challenges,” said Barrier. “Now I can say with no doubt I fully understand all of the detailed business processes involving our revenue streams, investment options, and final approval of the payment process.”
“The county treasurer’s office is a revolving door, in which I assist other elected and appointed officials, county employees, and the public with questions regarding county finances and human resource related issues,” she continued. “The position of county treasurer by its very nature is also meticulous with attention to detail, a priority in order to ensure accuracy of reporting the county funds. This has been a learning process of balancing an open-door policy verses needed task-oriented time.”
Barrier also reported successes from her first term in office, saying she created procedures in which credit card transactions are recorded daily, consolidated 21 checking accounts into four, researched and helped implement more efficient financial software and discovered unreported and miscategorized funds as well as fund balances that differed between the county auditor and treasurer’s offices.
“These are only some of the things that I learned and implemented during my first term in office,” she said.
Barrier said that although the position required a lot of learning, she was up to the task, thanks to her 24+ years of experience in accounting, tax, payroll, human resources, and management.
After graduating from Stephenville High School, she attended Tarleton State University where she earned a BBA in accounting, which she attained with cum laude honors and a master’s in business administration, which she earned with magna cum laude honors. After that, she worked as legal aide for Gary Lewellen and financial controller for Buckhorn Pumps, a local and international business.
In addition, she has been active in the Cross Timbers Business and Professional Women, Stephenville First United Methodist Church (where she has served as trustee) and Stephenville PTO (where she has served as secretary).
She is a mother of three—Wesley, Skylar and Jaxson.
Barrier feels that the county is in excellent financial condition, allowing for a variety of public services to its citizens.
“One majorly neglected area that needs improvement today, is communication amongst elected and appointed officials and transparency to the citizens of this county,” she offered. “Our citizens elect us to represent this county and in turn we should represent this county with our utmost integrity.”
Barrier said that if re-elected, she will “continue to protect, improve, and properly report the funding and expenses of the county and will continue to serve each resident of Erath County.”
“It is an honor and privilege to serve you, the citizens of Erath County,” she added. “I bring you education, I bring you experience, I bring you expertise, and I bring you integrity. I humbly ask for your vote and continued support.”