Obrecht seeks re-election at Bruce treasurer

Jul 16, 2012 by The Romeo Times Staff

Deborah S. Obrecht, a life-long Romeo resident, is seeking the Republican nomination as Bruce Township treasurer on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Obrecht, a graduate of Romeo High, holds a finance degree from Michigan State University and a masters in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. She is a Certified Municipal Finance Administrator and a Certified Level 2 Assessing Officer.

Obrecht has been Bruce Township treasurer for 24 years, and during this time, has posted a 100 percent attendance at all board meetings. During her terms, she has performed with 100 percent accuracy on all tax settlements with the County Treasurer and with all township audits.

In 2009, Obrecht was award the Visionary Technology Award from Governor Jennifer Granholm for efforts allowing Bruce Township to be recognized as “needing” high-speed Internet. Working with the County IT Department for a grant, stimulus funds were awarded to six regional counties for a three-year build-out program – a program still ongoing with funding to Air Advantage.

In 2003, Obrecht testified in Lansing regarding tax law changes to allow fire, ALS and police millages to be taken as tax deductions. Prior state tax law codes precluded these deductions, classified as a Special Assessment Levy, but in 2004, the deductions were allowed.

“I have always been fiscally conservative; my record demonstrates limiting spending to insure taxes can remain low and retain small government,” she stated in a press released. “I have worked to optimize returns on investments and achieve no banking fees. During my tenure, I have earned more than $2 million in general interest, added on-line banking with scanning abilities to directly deposit checks from my office, and added credit card on-line and credit card payment services at the township offices and website.”

Obrecht maintains several “no fee” tax accounts to provide multiple banking sites for “added convenience” for taxpayers to remit payments.

In the fall of 2010, Obrecht became Executive Director for the Macomb Michigan Township Associations Chapter and is the administrative coordinator. She also established its website – MacombMTA.org.

In May 2003, Commissioner Don Brown appointed Obrecht to the Macomb County Planning Commission, where she served on the initial County Historic Commission. Obrecht is currently the Romeo Area Goodfellows treasurer.

Since 1988, Obrecht has been a member of the Greater Romeo-Washington Chamber of Commerce and served on the board for six years. She has several professional Treasurer and Assessing memberships.

“I pride myself on serving the public by treating everyone equally, fairly and most importantly with respect,” she stated. “I am very approachable and responsive, and have proven my dedication, knowledge and value in serving our community.”