Online and On Time

Local government works best when it is efficient, transparent, and responsible with taxpayer dollars. When I decided to run for Peoria County Treasurer, my goal was simple: Bring practical business experience to an office responsible for safeguarding millions of taxpayer dollars. While the Treasurer’s Office does not create policy, it plays a critical role in ensuring county finances run smoothly. By modernizing processes, reducing unnecessary paperwork, and launching new tools like our Online & On Time initiative, we are working to make government easier to interact with and be more efficient for taxpayers.

When I took office as Peoria County Treasurer, I approached the position with a simple philosophy: Treat taxpayer dollars with the same care and responsibility as you would your own. This office isn’t just about transactions; it’s about trust. By leading with transparency and modern solutions, I aim to earn that trust every day.

Before entering public office, I spent many years working in business and entrepreneurship. That experience taught me that efficiency, accountability, and transparency are not just buzzwords. They are practical principles that help organizations operate responsibly and serve the people who depend on them.

One of my priorities as County Treasurer has been modernizing the office wherever possible. Like many government offices across the country, local government has historically relied heavily on paper-based systems and processes that can be time-consuming and inefficient. While those systems have worked for decades, there are opportunities to improve them through thoughtful use of technology.

For example, we have worked to reduce unnecessary paper use and expand digital processes whenever possible. Moving toward more paperless systems not only saves taxpayer money on printing and materials but also makes information easier to manage and access.

Our goal is to make the Treasurer’s Office at least 25% paperless by the end of 2026. That means replacing outdated paper-heavy workflows with digital systems where practical, reducing unnecessary printing, and streamlining internal processes. While government will always require certain records to be maintained physically, there are many areas where modernization can improve efficiency without sacrificing accountability.

Streamlining internal workflows reduces unnecessary steps and allows our staff to focus on what matters most: serving residents and protecting taxpayer dollars.

Modernization is also about making it easier for taxpayers to interact with their county government. One example of this effort is a new initiative we launched called Online & On Time.

Peoria County property taxes can be paid online using an E-Check for just $1.00. The payment is processed instantly and provides immediate confirmation that your payment has been received.

Mailing tax payments may seem convenient, but it comes with increasing risk. A postage stamp now costs $0.78, and the U.S. Postal Service no longer postmarks mail at the local facility. That means dropping a payment locally does not guarantee a same-day postmark.

The Online & On Time initiative removes that uncertainty. Instead of hoping the mail arrives on time, taxpayers can click, confirm, and know instantly that their payment has been received.

Transparency is another important part of responsible financial stewardship. Taxpayers deserve confidence that their funds are being managed carefully and responsibly.

The Treasurer’s Office manages investments, processes tax payments, coordinates payroll, and distributes funds to the many local governments that rely on them. These responsibilities require careful oversight, attention to detail, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Public service is about giving back to the community that has given so much to us. My goal as Treasurer has been to approach this role with
professionalism, common sense, and a focus on improving how government serves the people of Peoria County.

By continuing to modernize processes, improve efficiency, and expand tools like Online & On Time, we can ensure the Treasurer’s Office operates in a way that benefits taxpayers today and in the future.

Local government may not always make headlines, but the work it performs everyday matters. When government runs efficiently, everyone benefits.

If you would like to learn more about the services provided by the Peoria County Treasurer’s Office or take advantage of our Online & On Time program, please visit the Treasurer’s Office website to explore secure online payment options.

Branden Martin
Peoria County Treasurer

The contents and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Peoria County GOP.