Deanna Griffin

TAX: Deana Griffin, Tax Collector II
Years with the County: 6

Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
A Tax Collector II is mainly tasked with trying to collect any delinquent taxes that are due to the county.

What is a typical workday like for you?
I work a queue of taxpayers who are delinquent on their taxes and try to contact them by letter or phone to attempt to collect on their bills. After several attempts to collect with no avail, I unfortunately have to resort to enforced collections, which could mean wage garnishment, bank attachments, unclaimed cash monies, rent attachments if they own rental property, and possibly a sheriff levy. I also set up payment arrangements for taxpayers who need to pay monthly to satisfy their tax bills. I also apply garnishment payments that come in and I am also on a rotation to be a backup cashier up front.

What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
Being able to help a taxpayer by letting them know they can pay monthly rather than having to pay a large amount all at once. I also make sure an elderly taxpayer is aware of the Homestead Act which may allow them to receive a reduction in the amount they have to pay toward their taxes.

What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
Doing What’s Right: I was taught growing up that it’s easier to do what’s right when you know people are watching. What is difficult is always choosing to do what is right, even if no one will see if you don’t! People may not always see what lengths I go to, to help a taxpayer, but I do it because I want to help them and it is “Doing What’s Right”.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
Getting to know more about how the county operates and works to improve this area.

Where did you grow up?
Bethlehem, which is in Alexander County.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Different types of crafts.

Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
NCIS and NCIS Los Angeles

Favorite musical artist or genre?
Contemporary Christian

Favorite sports team(s)?
Don’t have one.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleporting, so I could travel anywhere in the blink of an eye and without flying!