RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MISSOURI, TREASURER KAREN MATTHEWS ON HER RETIREMENT

On 2024-12-10, Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO-7) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MISSOURI, TREASURER KAREN MATTHEWS ON HER RETIREMENT" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered infrastructure.

RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MISSOURI, TREASURER KAREN MATTHEWS ON HER RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 183 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1252] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MISSOURI, TREASURER KAREN MATTHEWS ON HER RETIREMENT ______ HON. ERIC BURLISON of missouri in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karen Matthews, the Christian County, Missouri, Treasurer, on her retirement. Christian County is home to nearly 90,000 citizens in the southwest part of Missouri, and Ms. Matthews has served as an elected official there for 22 years. During her tenure, Ms. Matthews has achieved many accomplishments. She manages nearly $50 million annually in county revenue and transitioned the county's operations from a third-class county to a first-class county due to the area's population growth. She initiated online banking for the county, direct deposit payroll for county employees and implemented premier financial software. She also saved the county thousands of dollars by implementing a more efficient time and attendance software. Finally, despite the millions of annual transactions, the county has successfully passed all of its dozens of audits with 100-percent compliance. Ms. Matthews was honored by her peers by being elected as the treasurer for the Missouri County Treasurer's Association, a position she has held since 2012. She also is the treasurer for Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serves on the Missouri County Treasurer's Association legislative board and is a member of several area chambers of commerce. In addition to her public service, she has been the co-owner of several small businesses in the construction and home design fields. I'd like to congratulate Ms. Matthews on her well-deserved retirement. She has faithfully executed her responsilities as county treasurer and she will be missed. I wish her the very best in the next phase of her life. ____________________