Scroggins seeks another term as auditor-controller

Feb. 25--Peggy Hickel Scroggins, who is in her third term as the Colusa County Auditor-Controller, will once again be seeking re-election when the polls open on June 3.

Scroggins has worked in the Auditor's Office for nearly 37 years after starting there on a part-time basis -- while concurrently working toward her accounting degree -- immediately after graduating from high school. She accepted a full-time accountant position in the Auditor's Office in 1984, and worked her way up the ranks as she gained experience. She was first elected as auditor-controller in 2003.

Scroggins received her bachelor's of science degree in accounting and business administration from California State University, Chico. She has earned continuing professional education credits in accounting, auditing, and government.

Scroggins is a long-time member of the California State Association of County Auditors and currently serves as the association's secretary, in addition to being an active member of the association's Policy and Interpretation Committee and Legislative Committee. She is a past president of both the CSAC -- Excess Insurance Authority and the Trindel Insurance Fund, and she currently serves on the executive committees of both entities.

Scroggins is also an active participant in numerous governmental committees and serves as the finance chief of the Emergency Operations Center and the director of Lurline Community Service District.

Scroggins also serves as the county's risk manager and data processing manager, overseeing 16 employees in the three departments that provide service to all other Colusa County departments.

As auditor-controller, Scroggins is responsible for the fiscal internal control of the county and works with the other departments and special districts on the control and management of their funds. The auditor-controller serves as the payroll and bill-paying officer of the county and is responsible for the timely payment of the county's and the special districts' bills.

Scroggins also serves as the county budget officer, who advises the Board of Supervisors and county department heads on all financial matters -- and is responsible for compiling and maintaining the county's $88 million annual budget. In collaboration with the assessor and tax collector, the office shares the responsibility for the preparation, collection, and distribution of local property taxes.

Scroggins' goals for her next term include helping to facilitate a smooth transition of moving the information technology department and the risk management department under the newly established Chief Administrative Office -- particularly risk management.

"As far as the Auditor's Office, I would like to purchase a new accounting and budgeting system which will streamline the process for my office and the other offices in the county as well," Scroggins said.

Making sure a relatively new staff in her office is trained well is also among her goals, she added.

"We are looking to improve operations, efficiency and the management of the county taxpayers' money -- which is the most key," Scroggins said.

Scroggins has been married to her husband, Drew, for 32 years. The two are the parents of two children, Justin and Jeannie, and are looking forward to welcoming their first grandchild in March.

Scroggins is an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharist minister, lector and member of the church's finance committee. She has been involved in numerous community service organizations. She supports Colusa County school programs and events -- including job shadowing, senior projects, senior interviews, academic decathlon, the Work Ready Certificate Program and the Super Seven Program.

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