STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Twenty-four newly elected tax assessors and collectors from across the state spent three days at Mississippi State University this week honing the skills they will use when they take office next year.

The MSU Extension Service Center for Government and Community Development hosted a three-day orientation for new tax assessors and collectors. During that time, the officials received training in job functions, including property assessment, homestead exemption, vehicle title registration, appraisals and tax collection.

“Some of the incoming officials have years of experience working in their respective counties, so they will be able to transition easily into their new roles. Others have never been elected to any public office,” said Jason Camp, an Extension associate with the Center for Government and Community Development. “This workshop is designed to give a thorough overview of all aspects of the job until they can sign up for more training in the future.”

In partnership with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association, the Extension center oversees training and mandatory certification programs for the Mississippi Education and Certification Program. Each of Mississippi’s 82 counties is required to have at least one assessor office employee certified in that program.

Doris Spidle, who was recently elected as the tax collector for Lauderdale County, commended presenters from the Department of Revenue and Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association for their ability to offer information she can use when she takes office.

“Everyone with Extension and the Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association is very supportive and helpful,” Spidle said. “This conference has been very resourceful, and I’m glad Extension provides it to us. It has made me more confident that I can do this job at a very high level when I start.”

The purpose of all the certification programs offered through the Center for Government and Community Development is to allow locally elected and appointed officials to gain greater expertise and professionalism. The ultimate beneficiaries of these programs are the citizens of the state who receive improved services from their state and local governments.