Scott County Treasurer Side-by-Side Candidate Profiles

February 25, 2026

by Brittany Maine

The office of County Treasurer serves as the official custodian and manager of all county funds and functions as one of the primary financial accountability positions within county government. While much of the work takes place behind the scenes, the responsibilities of this office directly impact taxpayers, county departments, and every service funded at the local level.

The Treasurer is responsible for receiving, receipting, and depositing all county revenue — including tax collections, state turnback funds, grants, and fees — and ensuring those dollars are placed into the proper accounts. The office issues payments only after lawful approval, reconciles bank accounts, prepares monthly and annual financial reports, monitors fund balances, and works alongside state auditors to ensure compliance with Arkansas law and financial standards.

The position operates within a system of checks and balances. The Quorum Court sets and appropriates the county budget. The County Clerk verifies claims and supporting documentation. The County Judge authorizes disbursements. The Treasurer then distributes and safeguards the funds. This process ensures that no single office controls public money independently and reinforces transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are handled.

As part of its ongoing voter education coverage, The Waldron News submitted identical questionnaires to all filed candidates for Scott County Treasurer. Each candidate received the same questions, word limits, and submission guidelines. Responses are printed verbatim as submitted and have not been edited for content or grammar.

The Waldron News does not endorse candidates in contested local races. Our mission is to inform voters and provide equal access to factual information so citizens may make their own decisions at the ballot box.

Candidates

TERESA SCANTLING (Republican)
Waldron, Arkansas
Current Scott County Treasurer

BRIDGET HERR (Republican)
Boles, Arkansas
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

What professional, financial, bookkeeping, or administrative experience has best prepared you to serve as county treasurer? (150 words or less)

SCANTLING:
I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Scott County for the past 17 years as their County Treasurer. During that time, I have gained extensive experience in financial management, budgeting and the strong bookkeeping and administration skills responsible for ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in all County financial operations.

In addition to my hands-on experience, I have attended treasurer’s meeting to further my education and stay current with state laws, financial regulations and best practices.

My years of experience, continued education and commitment to serving the public have thoroughly prepared me to effectively serve as Scott County Treasurer.

HERR:
Over the past decade, I have built progressive accounting and financial management experience with USA Truck. I earned my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in 2016 and advanced through multiple finance roles, including senior accounting and Accounting Manager.

My responsibilities included financial reporting, internal controls, audit support, and oversight of company assets and reconciliations. I also helped lead accounting integration during two corporate acquisitions, ensuring accurate records and accountability during complex transitions.

This background has prepared me to safeguard public funds, maintain transparent records, and follow established procedures required of a county treasurer. The office requires careful stewardship, attention to detail, and consistency — the same standards I have practiced throughout my professional career.

Why are you seeking the office of county treasurer at this point in your life, and what financial management or accountability challenge within county government deserves the most attention? (100 words or less)

SCANTLING:
I have truly enjoyed serving the citizens of Scott County for the past 17 years and would like to continue to give back to the community. Public service has been rewarding and meaningful to me and I remain committed to ensuring that our county’s finances are managed responsibly and transparently.

The most important financial management challenge facing county government is to continue to practice careful budgeting, responsible for overseeing public funds and a strong accountability to taxpayers. It is essential that we remain proactive, transparent and financially stable.

HERR:
I am seeking the office to use my professional accounting experience in service to Scott County. As a CPA, I understand the importance of accurate records, clear procedures, and public confidence in how tax dollars are handled.

The greatest need in county government is consistent, proactive transparency so citizens can easily understand where funds come from and how they are spent. Clear reporting and open communication strengthen trust, protect all county offices during audits, and help ensure decisions are based on reliable financial information.

In your view, what is the primary responsibility of the county treasurer, and how should accuracy and accountability be measured? (75 words or less)

SCANTLING:
I feel that the primary responsibility of the Treasurer is to safeguard, manage, and properly account for the county’s public funds. At its heart, the job is about stewardship and trust.

HERR:
The county treasurer’s primary responsibility is safeguarding public funds and ensuring payments are issued only according to the approved budget and state law. Accuracy and accountability are measured through balanced accounts, timely monthly reports, clean audit results, and records that are open and understandable to the public. The office should provide clear financial information so both officials and citizens can trust how taxpayer dollars are handled.

If elected, what would be your top priorities during your first year as county treasurer? (3–5 bullet points, 15–20 words each)

SCANTLING:
My goal as Treasurer is to continue to build on the solid foundation already in place and continue serving the citizens of Scott County with integrity, accountability and dedication.

HERR:
• Prepare clear, detailed financial statements for each fund, including transaction-level detail, to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Present financial statements and reconciliations at each quorum court meeting for transparency and informed decision-making.
• Maintain an accessible, welcoming treasurer’s office for public review and inquiries, ensuring openness and respectful service.
• Implement consistent processes for tracking receipts, disbursements, and fund balances to prevent errors or oversights.
• Provide timely responses to citizen questions, supporting public understanding of county finances.

How would you ensure proper handling, tracking, and safeguarding of county funds while maintaining compliance with state law and audit standards? (100 words or less)

SCANTLING:
I believe communication and integrity are key. I provide clear financial reports to county officials and I am always ready to explain how funds are managed. My goal is not just to pass audits but to maintain the public’s trust every day.

HERR:
The Treasurer safeguards county funds by following established legal processes and maintaining accurate, transparent records. I will track all receipts and disbursements, reconcile fund balances regularly, and review claims for compliance with the approved budget and state law. By enforcing consistent procedures, ensuring timely audits, and providing clear, accessible reports to officials and the public, the Treasurer acts as the final check before any payment leaves the treasury — protecting taxpayer dollars while supporting lawful, efficient county operations.

How should the treasurer’s office promote transparency and public confidence in how county funds are received, managed, and disbursed? (75 words or less)

SCANTLING:
Most county funds are received through direct deposit, which allows for secure and timely processing. Once received all funds are receipted promptly and distributed into the appropriate accounts according to statutory guidelines and county policy.

By maintaining accurate records, conducting regular reconciliations and supporting state and federal audits, the Treasurer’s office promotes transparency and reinforces public confidence in how county funds are handled.

HERR:
The Treasurer’s office promotes transparency and public confidence by keeping accurate, accessible records and publishing monthly financial reports. Citizens are encouraged to review records, ask questions, and receive clear answers in public forums, such as quorum court meetings or newspaper updates. By maintaining consistent, open communication and providing understandable financial information, the office ensures taxpayers can see how funds are received, managed, and disbursed, reinforcing trust in county government.

The treasurer works closely with other county offices, departments, and elected officials. How would you approach communication and coordination in managing county finances? (75 words or less)

SCANTLING:
Over the past 17 years, I’ve built and maintained a positive working relationship with all elected officials. My goal is always to ensure everyone has the financial information they need to make the best decisions while keeping the county’s best interests at the forefront.

HERR:
I would begin by meeting individually with each elected official and department head to clarify roles, responsibilities, and legal processes. Open communication ensures everyone understands the separation of duties and how county funds are properly managed. By establishing consistent procedures, sharing clear information, and responding promptly to questions, the Treasurer’s office can coordinate effectively with all offices while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and public trust in county finances.

How should residents engage with the Treasurer’s Office regarding county funds and financial records, and how would you explain financial processes to the public? (50 words or less)

SCANTLING:
Residents are encouraged to attend Quorum Court meetings, visit with the Treasurer’s office. A financial report is always available for viewing.

HERR:
Residents can engage with the Treasurer’s Office by reviewing records, asking questions, and requesting reports. Financial processes are transparent: the Quorum Court sets the budget, the Clerk verifies claims, the Judge approves them, and the Treasurer safeguards funds, ensuring taxpayer money is properly managed and publicly accountable.

Describe a time you faced criticism or made an error in a financial or professional setting. What did you learn, and how did it shape your approach to responsibility? (75 words or less)

SCANTLING:
In public service, accuracy is critical, so when questions or concerns arise, I take them seriously. If something needs clarification or correction, I address it immediately and make sure it is documented properly.

HERR:
Throughout my accounting career, I have faced criticism and owned errors by first listening carefully, then correcting mistakes promptly, and finally reflecting to prevent recurrence. These experiences taught me the importance of humility, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. In the Treasurer’s office, this approach ensures accurate records, consistent processes, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, reinforcing both professional accountability and public trust.

How do you ensure ethical conduct, financial integrity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars? (75 words or less)

SCANTLING:
I believe that responsible stewardship means making sound financial decisions, protecting public funds, and ensuring that every dollar is handled carefully and lawfully.

HERR:
I ensure ethical conduct, financial integrity, and responsible stewardship by maintaining transparent, accurate records and following all state laws and procedures. Detailed reconciliations, timely reporting, and consistent processes prevent errors and promote accountability. I take personal ownership of every transaction, review claims carefully, and make financial information accessible to officials and the public. This approach protects taxpayer dollars, supports lawful decision-making, and builds trust in the Treasurer’s office.