Gaffney says she believes in Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, and Public Service.
"It has been a GREAT honor to serve the people of Schuylkill County and I will continue to strive to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money, to generate revenue and work together to better improve our community……only ….. with the support and trust of our fellow citizens. "
Gaffney received an internal audit from Schuylkill County Controller Christy Joy that stated "“the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court has timely and accurately recorded, deposited, reported and remitted, collections in all material respects.” with No recommendations or findings.
“Policy and procedures, checks and balances are key to the transparency of any office.” added Gaffney
Since taking office seven years ago, Gaffney say she has implemented many changes, which includes converting to a new computer system and replacing computers (using only internal automation funds), adding online service and credit card services for convenience of the county.
Recently Clerk of Orphans Court converted to a state regulated guardianship system that changes the filing process, offering education and assistance to the guardians.
The Register of Wills is a collecting agent for the state’s inheritance tax and receives a commission which is remitted to the county’s general fund monthly.
The revenue collected for 2012-2018 is as follows: (as stated in media release)
- Inheritance tax collected $55,849,416.15
Contributions to the County General Fund: (as stated in media release)
- County fees collected: 2,101,086.94
Commission (from the state Inheritance tax collected): $401,791.07 (as stated in media release)
*this state commission has not changed since 1986 over 33 years.
Gaffney states that "A greater percent of the money that is earned in Schuylkill County should stay in Schuylkill County." Gaffney says she is committed to addressing this issue.
In regards to public service, "The Register of Wills staff and I have committed to create a Professional and Courteous atmosphere and we have done just that. The Register of Wills Office does so much more than creating and maintaining records. When a family comes in to open an Estate we try to ease the process and recognize what they are going through, ‘Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Offering our condolences or congratulating a couple to be married makes a difference. "
Gaffney says there have been 5,330 Marriage Licenses issued and 5,005 Estates opened since 2012.
"I commend my staff, Gloria Adamski, Nancy Briggs, Mark Kester, Judy Howard, Deb Igo , Chrissey Dormer for their professionalism, knowledge and compassion that is shown to everyone, but most of all for their dedication in serving and working for the people." adds Gaffney.
Gaffney is a Veteran of the United States Army Reserves, Catholic War Vets post 1089, American Legion, Member of St Patricks Church, Member of Pennsylvania’s Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphan Court Association, Advisory Board to Salvation Army Pottsville, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County Fair, Servants To All Homeless Shelter, Kiwanis of Pottsville President, Business and Professional Women VP, Schuylkill County NRA Committee, Friedensburg Fish and Game, Sch Co. Sportmens Association, Schuylkill County United Way, Schuylkill County Chamber, and Pottsville Business Association
She is also the recipient of Pennsylvania Family Institutes “POWER OF ONE AWARD”.
"I would like to thank my husband Glenn of 34 years, my family Melissa (Hank) Madison Allison Nicholas, Sarah (Zach) Baby M, Jeremiah (Ashley) Johanna Baby G, Waylon, Frank (Brittany) and my siblings for their support …I am truly blessed …and YOU the voters THANK YOU for your continued support!" states Gaffney.