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Leta G. Norfleet: Seeking third term
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
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WARM SPRINGS - "I love my job and I love what I do. I'm not ready to retire," said Bath County Commissioner of the Revenue Leta Norfleet in February. At the time, she didn't know if she would have any competition for her position. Now she has two others seeking the job she has held for nearly eight years.
If one of her challengers wins, Norfleet will be leaving an office she has worked in since 1976, when she became deputy commissioner.
Her experience, education, public recognition after 31 years as commissioner, and her care and concern for the people of Bath County and the county's future all make her right for the job, she said.
"I don't want people that have lived here to feel suffocation, crunch because of all the new development," she said. "I would like to be involved in the future of Bath County."
She said a project she likes to personally oversee is the administration of the tax exemption for the elderly. "Two hundred and twenty-four residents are senior citizens. If they are 65 or disabled, they get a tax break. There is an exemption of real estate taxes for the personal residence of certain elderly or disabled persons. If you earn more than $50,000 or have assets over $200,000, you don't qualify," she said. She keeps up with changes to make sure those entitled to the exemption get it.
Norfleet doesn't handle money directly. "We collect federal and state income tax, estimated state taxes, lodging tax, and land-use tax. We collect it and take it to the treasurer," she said.
The commissioner of the revenue has a $179,843 annual budget, which includes salaries, said Norfleet.
Norfleet is confident in her knowledge of the regulations pertaining to her job. But changes come frequently and there's a lot to keep up with, she said.
"We are regulated by the code of Virginia," said Norfleet. "The duties are complex. Every situation could reference four or five different code sections. We work with the property tax unit in Richmond, work with the Virginia state tax department, Department of Motor Vehicles, the circuit court for land transfers, treasurer, board of supervisors, and building and zoning."
Her office is audited every six months, said Norfleet. "(Auditors) spend very little time with me. They look at the land books, lodging, and confirm records. Everything on the last audit was accurate and up to date."
The audit is just a check, though. The responsibility for accuracy falls squarely on her shoulders. Norfleet said the most important thing the commissioner does is make sure whenever there has been a reassessment that the records are correct. "Records could be omitted, duplicated, have math errors. We have 5,700 parcels of land/real estate at this time and growing," she said.
Property assessments are on a four-year cycle. The office averages 300 land transfers a year, 88 in one quarter. The county has twice-a-year property taxation.
Norfleet added, "The board of supervisors determines the tax rate. We apply it and enter it into a computer system."
Norfleet has been both manager and employee of the office. Her management style reflects her background, she said. "I have worn both hats, I have been on both sides of the fence. You need a good rapport with your employees. It doesn't matter what it is, they can come to you. I couldn't do it without them. I've got to give them credit."
But performance matters. "These are our deadlines and this is what has to be done," she said. "This is a job.
"I want honesty. I will not tolerate anyone being nasty to a customer - be helpful, courteous and nice."
As for confidentiality, Norfleet said, "What goes on here stays here. What is not public, I'd better not hear about. All records are confidential, especially the preparation of federal and state income taxes. Financial records are restricted, unless it is known or stated that it is a public record," said Norfleet in reference to the Freedom of Information Act. "Real estate books and so on are public, personal property record amounts are public, but not what it (personal property) is - like a 1977 Ford Bronco."
Norfleet has two deputies and $3,000 for part-time help. She doesn't intend to change any personnel. "I am very pleased with the personnel and the number of personnel," she said.
"I am a stickler for details. I want to go from start to finish. I am not a procrastinator. This is a weakness because it stresses the workers," she said.
She also said she needs to work on public speaking. "I don't want to be misunderstood or misconstrued," she said.
And she sometimes feels threatened by people challenging her authority, which is why she is so adamant that personal feelings be set aside when dealing with the public, she explained.
Her years in office have been her preparation for the job, but Norfleet said continuing education is important, too. "You have to keep abreast of any and all law changes and changing technology. I will continue to go to classes."
While training is important, the work comes first. "We are working on tax maps," she said. "It is very hard to update the records, to clean up the tax maps. There are inaccuracies from way back when we didn't have a plat or a survey. The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is helping us now."
She'd like to share what she's learned with the public. "I want to be able to make citizens more aware of what we do have to offer. I want to conduct public outreach," said Norfleet.
"The laws (concerning conflict of interest) are very strict, and the best policy, and the one I follow, is to abide by the regulations and laws at all times," said Norfleet. Don't ask her to do something she wouldn't do for anyone else. "It's unethical and if you were my friend you wouldn't ask me to do you a favor." She said she has nothing in her personal or business life that creates a conflict of interest in her job.
"I would really like people to know that I do enjoy being here for them. It has always been my honor and my pleasure. I would like to continue to be in here for another term," said Norfleet.
"Whomever you vote for, register and vote," she added.
About the candidate • Leta G. Norfleet
• Age: 55
• Lives in Warm Springs, married to R. Larry Norfleet, has one daughter, four stepchildren and a granddaughter.
• Graduated from Highland High School in 1970. Studied business for one year at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.
• Norfleet has been Bath County Commissioner of the Revenue for nearly eight years. She went to work as deputy commissioner of the revenue in 1976. She holds a master certification as commissioner and earns $68,000 a year.
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