Phil Couch, retiring after 32 years

Saturday, March 25, 2017
Since 1985 -- that's 32 years! -- Phil Couch, has served the people of Vernon County as their Treasurer/ex-officio Collector. While his last day will be March 31, there will be a reception in his honor on Tuesday, March 28, in the lobby, just outside his office. All are invited. Johannes Brann/Daily Mail

By Johannes Brann

jbrann.ndm@gmail.com

Friday, March 31, will be Phil Couch's last day as Vernon County Treasurer/ex-officio Collector. With 32 years under his belt -- second longest serving county treasurer/ex-officio collector in the state -- he's seen 'em come and he's seen 'em go.

"I've seen 13 different commissioners (Page Fletchall, Vicky Garton, Roy Gene Claypool, Arch Forkner, Jime Earnest, Bonnie McCord, Neal Gerster, Charlie Johnson, David Darnold, Kennon Shaw, Everett Wolfe, Joe Hardin and Cindy Thompson); six sheriffs (Carl McCallister, Brian Atkinson, Ted Thomas, Mickey Mason, Ron Peckman and Jason Mosher); four county clerks (Dorothy Tyre, Wava Halcomb, Tammi Beach and Mike Buehler); four prosecuting attorneys (Nick Swischer, Neal Quitno, Lynn Ewing III and Brandi McInroy); three recorder of deeds (Merl Fellows, Loretta Johnston-Hacker and Doug Shupe); three assessors (Dick Peckman, Jeanne Reed and Cherie Roberts); three public administrators (Dick Shorten, Virginia Habjan and Tammy Bond); three circuit clerks of court (Bernice Dobson, Vickie Erwin and Carrie Poe); three associate circuit judges (Patricia Breckenridge, Gerry McBeth and Neal Quitno), three circuit judges (David Darnold, James Bickel and David Munton); and two coroners (Ingles Ferry and his son, David)," said Couch.

It was another employee -- Couch's own mother, working for the then treasurer/collector, Buss Faith -- who first made Couch aware of the office and its work. Later, it would be Faith who would encourage and convince Couch to run for the office.

Faith served as treasurer/collector from 1952 to 1968 followed by Kenny Swan, from 1968 to 1984.

And then there are those who have worked alongside Couch in his office.

Said Couch, "Until 2007, when the state abolished township collectors, this office had only one other worker."

Jean Loving, who had worked with Swan, stayed on for five years.

"And that was a huge help to me," said Couch.

Since Loving has retired, Couch has worked alongside Regina ("Pudge") Jacks-Butler, Brenda Hirschman, Janice Almquist, and at present, Kylie Pritchett and Renea Schulze.

At this point Couch put up his hand and said, "I want to commend my successor, Brent Banes, for asking Kylie and Renea to stay on indefinitely and for those two agreeing to stay on. It'll make a smooth transition and make sure the public is well served."

Asked to describe his job, Couch chuckled and cocked his head.

"Well, I'm going to tell you what Buss (Faith) said when he recruited me to run for this job. Yes, it's about numbers and honesty and being persistent until you get things right but that's not what this job is really about."

Then what is it about?

"Service and people," said Couch. "We have to respect and serve them."

The treasurer/collector bears some responsibility for every office of the county, since county funds flow through all of them and yet, each office is independent.

"I can't tell them what to do but I can help them better handle and track the funds passing through their office," said Couch.

At present, he collects, disburses and tracks funds for all courthouse offices plus 20 townships, eight cities and seven school districts for a total of 58 levies and 90 political subdivisions. Couch has balanced to the penny, 31 of 32 years.

"About 10 years ago I was once off by $25," said Couch.

Every four years, the state does a thorough audit while the county hires an auditing firm two years later to review federal and state funds.

While knowing auditors will look at everything you do is enough of a challenge, Couch reflected on two other challenges, tax sales and satisfying the public.

"These days I'd have to say the most challenging work this office does is holding a tax sale," began Couch. "Which lien comes into play and who gets any overage when what is paid is more than the back taxes? Collectors are getting sued over these."

Few people like taxes and if there is an error, folks can become upset, even hostile. It is in those moments, Couch's people skills absolutely shine.

"Every tax season we have a few folks who come in angry but in 32 years only one has left this office angry," said Couch.

Couch described an incident back when townships had collectors and the associate circuit courtroom was next door to Couch's office, presently the juvenile office.

"This gentleman said he had tried three times to pay his taxes to the township collector but each time, he wasn't home," began Couch. "So he came into my office and right off, demanded I take his money, sign a receipt and get it to the collector."

Couch told the gentleman he was not legally permitted to accept payments until March 1, when townships turned collections over to the county.

The man cranked up his volume and switched from a firm request to a demand. Couch paused, made sure he remained in control and tried again to explain both his situation while suggesting, since there was time before the deadline, either he could mail in the payment or try calling the township collector.

"At this, the man blew up, began pounding the counter and waving his arms while yelling loudly at me," said Couch.

While the number of decibels is unknown, the gentleman was loud enough to prompt the then associate circuit judge, Patricia Breckenridge, to stop court and direct the bailiff to see what was going on. It was loud enough for people from offices on the floors below and above to see what was going on.

"The deputy used a commanding voice and when he said, 'Do you need any help, Phil?' the man stopped and became wide eyed as he turned around to see the office full of men with many more out in the hall," said Couch.

At this the gentleman picked up his statement and left.

Said Couch, "He was the only customer I could not help."

Those working with Couch report person after person who came in angry but eventually left slapping Phil's back, thanking him.

"I can say in all honesty, what I'll miss are the people in this office, those in the courthouse and the folks of Vernon County."

Couch is looking forward to time with his wife, children and especially the grandchildren.

A reception will be held on Tuesday, March 28, at 2 p.m. in the lobby, just outside Couch's office. The public is encouraged to attend.

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