Proven

Results

Good government isn’t about promises — it’s about performance.

Under Maria Walls’ leadership, the Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office has delivered measurable results, financial strength, and nationally recognized innovation — all while putting taxpayers first.

Proven Results for Beaufort County

Financial Performance &
Protection

  • Record-high collection rates

  • Lowest delinquencies ever

  • $30–35M earned annually in investment returns

  • $1B+ managed daily

Cost Savings & Efficiency

  • Millions saved through automation

  • Paperless billing & receipts

  • Reduced staffing needs without reducing service

  • One-touch resolution for 95%+ of customer inquiries

Innovation that Serves People

  • Flexible installment payments

  • Prepayment programs

  • myBeaufortCounty

  • Zendesk platform

  • Interactive tax education

Leadership Beyond Beaufort
County

  • National training for other treasurers

  • Legislation authored and passed

  • First-in-state initiatives

  • Awards across local, state, national, international levels

    • 2015 - Thomson Reuters Office Holder of the Year

      International award for innovation and excellence in the government sector.

    • 2016 - SC Republican Party Local Government Award

      Statewide award for outstanding service to Beaufort County through the exemplification of conservative principles in public office.

    • 2019 - Thomson Reuters Office Holder of the Year

      International award for innovation and excellence in the government sector (only recipient to win twice)

    • 2020 - StateScoop County Executive of the Year

      A national award for innovations that advance government operations and citizen services

    • 2020 - National Association of Counties National Achievement Award

      A national award recognizing innovative county government programs

    • 2021 - Business on Purpose Hero Shield

      A local award recognizing effective leadership and operational development (typically awarded to private sector businesses, we are the only government team to receive it)

    • 2021 - CashVest National Leadership Award

      A national award for demonstrating exemplary standards of financial governance and liquidity management, while instilling the very best of practices in the management of taxpayer dollars

    • 2023 - Beaufort County Republican Party Vision Award

      A local award recognizing and in appreciation for my leadership in crafting an operational vision and direction for Beaufort County (only recipient ever)

    • 2024 - National Association of Counties National Achievement Award

      A national award recognizing innovative county government programs

    • 2020-2025 - CashVest 90+ Award (Received every year since inception)

      A national award given for achieving 4 consecutive quarters of outstanding liquidity management, identified by scoring and evaluation in the following areas: Percent of available funds providing value; Liquidity proficiency; Warnick rate indicator; Cashflow optimization; Investment policy practices.

What Does a County Treasurer Do?

In South Carolina, a County Treasurer serves as the Chief Banking Officer for the County and School District — managing billions in public funds and collecting the taxes that support essential services.

In Beaufort County, the County Treasurer also serves as the Tax Collector, responsible for pursuing taxes that have become delinquent.

Bill and Collect Taxes

The Treasurer is responsible for distributing property tax bills and collecting the amounts owed. This marks the beginning of the county’s annual revenue cycle and ensures that essential services — like schools, public safety, and infrastructure — are properly funded.

Offer Payment Options

Taxes are a part of life, but paying them shouldn’t be stressful or confusing. The Treasurer provides multiple billing and payment options so taxpayers can choose what works best for them — including online, in-person, mail, and flexible payment programs.

Manage Public Funds

Beyond collecting taxes, the Treasurer is responsible for managing and safeguarding the County and School District’s funds until they are spent. This includes investing available funds responsibly so they earn returns and help offset government costs — saving taxpayer dollars.

Serve Beaufort County

As an elected public servant, the Treasurer puts Beaufort County’s taxpayers first in every service offered and decision made. The goal is simple: operate with integrity, transparency, and care — and make government easier to understand and navigate.

Vote for Maria

The general election will be held November 3, 2026.

Before that, South Carolina will hold its Republican Primary and then early voting will commence.

To ensure you can participate and vote for Maria, register to vote today!

Register