Four more years.

Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham filed his petition to run for re-election next year.

Burcham said his first four years in office have been successful and he would like to continue to build on the improvements he has made in his first term in office.

Burcham said he is most proud of the agreement he made with area banks that allow residents to pay their taxes through those financial institutions instead of having to drive to the courthouse.

“I am very pleased with the banks’ cooperation. This not only benefits people who live in the eastern end of the county, but people all over the county,” Burcham said.

He said he is also proud of his office’s efforts to collect delinquent taxes, insuring that all property owners pay their fair share, as well as procedures put in place to allow taxpayers the option of escrowing taxes. He said he is also pleased with changes made to increase interest income made on county money. Late last month he notified county commissioners there was an additional $78,000 in unanticipated interest income that could be used to help balance the budget.

“I want to emphasize to people that our investments are done safely and in accordance with Ohio Revise Code,” he said. “We are simply working to maximize our investment earnings.”

If voters say yes, Burcham said he hopes to continue the progress with a Web site that allows residents to pay property taxes online with a credit card or from their bank account.

“I’ve been honored to serve the citizens of Lawrence County,” he said. “I can’t emphasize enough that the trust people have placed in me as their treasurer is something I hold dearly and hold in high regard.

I try to operate my office in a professional manner and maintain the county’s funds with the highest degree of safety.”

Burcham, 51, lives in Proctorville. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married 30 years and have two daughters.