Don Belcher has announced that he is seeking a third term as the Decatur County Tax Commissioner.

Belcher has a total of 18 years of experience in the Tax Commissioner’s Office, and said he feels he brings needed experience to effectively manage the office.

“I feel like I can help the taxpayers of this county,” he said. “I meet a lot of them face to face and enjoy getting the chance to help with their issues or concerns.”

Belcher was initially hired as the bookkeeper in 1994. He was then appointed Decatur County’s first Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner in 2001, under then-Tax Commissioner Cotton Hester. Upon Hester’s retirement, Belcher ran and won the Tax Commissioner’s Office in 2004 and 2008, and wishes to continue his services to the county.

Belcher said his office has made some positive changes during his tenure, including:

• Tag renewals are sent by mail automatically a month prior to a citizen’s birthday.

• City property tax collections have now been consolidated with the county.

• Added a new office for Property Tax Department.

• Upgraded all property tax equipment for better efficiency with staff and taxpayers.

• Opened the Tax Commissioner’s Office one hour earlier, beginning at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.

Belcher also noted that his office sends property tax notices out in August, giving the taxpayer 130 days to pay their taxes. He said his office has collected 99.58 percent of its returns for the last nine years.

“My office has an open-door policy and I try to objectively listen to the needs of the taxpayer and what is best for Decatur County,” he said. “I will be campaigning throughout the remainder of the year and I hope for the public’s support.”

Belcher, a lifelong resident of Decatur County, is married to Eva Ann Ellison of Tallahassee, Fla. He has three sons — Donny, Woody and Jim Belcher. He also has three daughters — Alyce McCarty, Georgia Long and Barbara Hinson.