Amanda Price has spent decades in public service at the local, state and county level. She’s retiring from her latest role, as Ottawa County treasurer, at the end of the month.
Price was appointed Ottawa County treasurer in January 2019 and elected in 2020. Before her appointment she served as a state representative for the 89th District, then the western portion of Ottawa County. Price was a legislative aide in the Michigan Senate to Sen. Patty Birkholz and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof. She began her public service as a Park Township planning commissioner, then became township trustee and supervisor.
She credits her accomplishments in the treasurer’s office to the support and professionalism of her staff, who she describes as “dedicated stewards of the financial resources of Ottawa County residents carrying out their responsibilities with excellence and compassion for our citizens.”
Looking back at her time serving at the county level, Price says she was fortunate to serve alongside a group of exemplary elected officials such as Prosecutor Lee Fisher, Sheriff Steve Kempker, Clerk/Register Justin Roebuck and Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush.
“They are individuals with the highest integrity, devotion to public service and excellence in all they do. I count it as an honor to know them and serve with them,” Price says.
The Ottawa County Treasurer’s Office accounts for county revenue, invests county funds, administers the delinquent tax process and licenses dogs. The treasurer serves on the County Building Authority, Insurance Authority, Plat Board, Elections Commission, Brownfield Authority, Apportionment Commission, Tax Allocation Board and chairs the Land Bank Authority.
In addition to these roles, Price also serves on the Michigan Association of County Treasurers’ board of directors, the Community Action Agency Board, and the Historic Ottawa Beach Society Board.
The Lakeshore recently caught up with Price for a Q&A to learn more about the highlights of her time at the county and what’s next for her.
The Lakeshore: You came to the Ottawa County treasurer position with public service experience in the state legislature and in Park Township governance. What inspired you to run for county office?
Amanda Price: The combination of my experience in local and state government and my familiarity with the county initially prompted me to consider applying for the vacancy for county treasurer. The treasurer role requires a combination of skill sets (legal, banking, trust, real estate, elections, government) that I believed was a good fit for me and skills that I possessed through past employment, education, and public service. Additionally, several colleagues and elected officials prompted me to apply.
TL: What did you hope to accomplish that you couldn't at the state or township level?
AP: County government is where state and federal programs are delivered at the local level. Ottawa County has a statewide reputation of being the leader in several programs and departments in how they deliver public services, and I really appreciated the county’s focus on customer service excellence. I wanted to be a part of that excellence while continuing to serve the residents of Ottawa County.
TL: Looking back at your tenure as treasurer, what are the accomplishments you are most proud of?
AP: I am proud of leading an amazing team that makes up the treasurer's staff. They are dedicated professionals who are committed to serving county residents with integrity and compassion. I am also proud of the technology and process improvements that were implemented that increased efficiency, saved money, and allowed public dollars to be invested quickly.
TL: What was the most challenging and why?
AP: Getting my team through Covid was the most difficult. We were essential workers and had to be in the office every day. Getting through that time was a mix of schedule juggling, reacting to changes and ensuring we were getting the job done. Aside from the pandemic, the most challenging aspect of the job is implementing changes to processes or the implementation of new software that may be specific to various departments. It takes a great deal of time and attention to have an application work for a specific department and to make sure it interfaces with existing software.
TL: When did you begin a career in public service and why did it hold your interest for decades?
AP: My interest in public service started with running for student council in sixth grade, junior high, and high school, followed by volunteering for congressional and presidential campaigns. Prior to moving to Holland, I served on the cable communications committee (if anyone remembers local cable shows) in the small city where we lived. When I moved to Holland, I met Jessie Dalman and worked on her campaign as she ran for the State House. Public service and governance are both interests and passions of mine, and I was fortunate enough to pursue both.
TL: Any advice you would give to someone considering a career in public service or elected office?
AP: How do you encourage people to do this important work in these polarizing times?
Being elected at the township level, county level or state level is a partisan office, but not a partisan role. In general, officials are elected to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public. But above the statutory role, I believe an effective public servant must care about the community they serve.
Folks are attracted to public service for various reasons. Some run because they have a genuine interest in a specific area and work to make it better, some run because they feel called to public service, and some run for purely personal power. These are polarizing times, and society encourages folks to stake out a position at the extremes. I believe if people are committed to service, they will find a way to bring the two sides together to achieve sound outcomes for everyone.
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