Oglethorpe County Tax Commissioner Sheila Arnold said Monday she won’t seek reelection next year.
“You have to have it in your heart to run,” she said. “I wanted to help the citizens of Oglethorpe County.”
Arnold was elected to her current role in 2008 and previously worked for the Board of Commissioners office. Her term will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
She said she plans to spend time with her family. Her son, Blake Arnold, recently opened Crawford Pizza, and she would like to help in some capacity with the restaurant.
Arnold, who began working in public service in 1989, said she feels grateful for the opportunity she had to work for the county and hopes that she made a positive impact on the community.
Linda McDaniel, the tax commissioner’s office clerk, has been there for Arnold’s entire career and plans to retire when Arnold does.
“She exemplifies her office in the highest ability,” McDaniel said. “She is very easy to work for, she has been very accommodating for my needs. She has just been an extraordinary boss and serves the citizens very well.”
Oglethorpe County has changed since she took office with people moving from other states and counties. It’s made her job busier, whether she has to deal with mailing, online payments or other matters.
Arnold made it clear her efforts wouldn’t be sufficient to keep things running smoothly.
“The employees are the backbone of this office,” she said. “And I have great employees, truly great employees. That says a lot and it means a lot.”
Arnold said she hopes the person who takes over the position will build on the systems in place already and maintain the integrity of the office.
Teresa Jo Campbell, who is the clerk for the Oglethorpe County Probate Court, announced her intentions to run for the position with an ad in this edition of The Oglethorpe Echo.
The desire to help people is important for the job, Arnold said. Oftentimes, people will arrive at the office seeking advice or help on an issue. Arnold has made sure to provide that assistance, she said.
Arnold has met many people who have become friends through campaigning and her time in office.
“I hope I’ve made an impact on the county, but I know the county has made an impact on me,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of great people since I’ve been here.”