Accomplishments

Since taking office in January 2012, Treasurer Jason Salus has made the office a tougher fiscal watchdog — collecting millions in past due revenues, cutting costs and advocating for consumers throughout the county. He has delivered real results for Montgomery County residents and taxpayers.

DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTION

  • Treasurer Jason Salus overhauled the delinquent tax collection process to dramatically increase collection rates and revamped the fee structure to save our local school districts $2 million and the County and municipalities an additional $500,000.
  • The Montgomery County Commissioners credited Treasurer Salus’ delinquent tax collection efforts in helping drive the County’s 2014 budget operating surplus – only the second surplus after five years of deficits.
  • Conducts bulk real estate tax sales to return chronically delinquent parcels to the tax rolls while recovering delinquent tax dollars for the county, our school districts and municipalities. Generally, 80% of properties noticed for tax sale make payment or enter a payment agreement prior to the sale.
  • Testified before Philadelphia City Council’s Finance Committee regarding the success of our Montgomery County deliqneunt real estate tax collection model.

PENSION REFORM

  • Treasurer Salus was the only Montgomery County Row Officer to vote in favor of Montgomery County’s nationally-recognized pension reform model, moving 90% of the $500 million fund into stock index mutual funds. This resulted in a savings of $1.3 million annually in investment management fees.

PARKS AND TRAILS

  • Treasurer Salus worked with the Commissioners to transfer abandoned parcels to East Norriton Township to help that community complete a long-planned pedestrian trail.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • As a member of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority, Salus supported the establishment of the Montco Small Business Opportunity Loan, making small investments that support Montgomery County private-sector job growth and retention.
  • As a member of the Industrial Development Authority, Salus helped organize the first “Montco Made” manufacturing conference which introduced local business owners to financial products available to expand the manufacturing sector in Montgomery County while also presenting national speakers discussing trends in reshoring manufacturing jobs to the US with these business owners.
  • Made smart investments in locally-owned banking institutions that lend to local small businesses, create local jobs and support our community.

REFORM AND TRANSPARENCY

  • Professionalized the staff in the Treasurer’s office and brought in team members with years of experience in banking, investments and management while reducing the overall headcount by 20%.
  • Provide free, online access to delinquent property tax records, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
  • Led by example during the County’s zero-based budgeting initiative by reducing departmental expenditures. This contributed to the elimination of the County’s operating deficit and has helped pass three balanced budgets with no property tax increase.
  • A new emphasis on communication has resulted in a monthly, eco-friendly e-newsletter.
  • Salus brings services directly to constituents where they live through participation in community events in every corner of the county and by collaborating with chambers of commerce, civic organizations and schools.
  • Implemented a new Ethics Policy.

FINANCIAL LITERACY

  • Partnered with credit and housing counseling agencies to match services to those in need of assistance during difficult economic times and help reduce incidents of tax foreclosure.
  • Recipient of a Thank You Award from the Montgomery County Black History Celebration Committee for the office’s “hard work and dedication provided to [the] community” and “outstanding dedicated service to Montgomery County.”
  • Worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tax preparation program in Montgomery County to ensure working families receive all of the tax credits to which they’re entitled.

COLLEGE SAVINGS

  • Collaborated with the PA State Treasury to initiate a County pilot program to allow the 3,000 employees to enroll in a PA 529 College Savings program free of charge and to provide informational seminars on college savings as well as automatic payroll deduction.
  • Worked with various private Montgomery County employers to implement PA 529 payroll deduction as an employee benefit.
  • Partnered with Montgomery County Community College and the American Association of University Women to address the challenge of saving for college with parents at their “Discover Your Future” event.