DALE BOLLINGER PERFORMING FINAL BOLLINGER COUNTY COLLECTIONS

MARBLE HILL -- In a county that routinely defeats incumbent officeholders, Dale Bollinger has survived six elections over the last 24 years as Bollinger County collector.

But at age 65, satisfied he had served the people efficiently and effectively in public office, Bollinger decided it was time to do some new things. So, the veteran Democratic official didn't seek re-election this year.

Bollinger is collecting his final round of tax bills for the county. Bills are due Dec. 31, and by March 1, his work will be finished and newly elected Jim Anderson will take over.

"I've enjoyed the job and I think I'll miss the people most of all," said Bollinger, as he reflected on his career recently from his small office near the front door of the county courthouse. "I have turned 65 and wanted to do a few things."

On this particular day, several who came into Bollinger's office to pay their 1994 tax bills, bid the collector farewell.

"You won't be here next year when I come in," observed one man as he handed Bollinger a check. "Enjoy retirement," he advised.

Several others talked of how Bollinger had done a good job and had always been patient in working with taxpayers -- a real gentleman in the courthouse.

Asked how he had maintained his long tenure, Bollinger attributed it to being nice to people and not being "snobbish or nasty."

Many times, when people receive their tax bills they are alarmed to find out that the bill has increased. Their first stop is Bollinger's office because his name is on the bill. Any anger they have is often vented at him.

Bollinger patiently reminds them that a school district or other taxing entity where they live has increased their tax rate. Or, if there is a problem with the bill, he points them in the right direction, most often to the assessor's office across the hall.

Four years ago Bollinger drew one of his toughest election challenges, but wound up winning re-election by a comfortable margin.

"I know a lot of people, and I think they thought I was doing a good job. They trust me," Bollinger said. "I have had many people come in this year and say they hate to see me go."

Several file drawers of tax bills are piled on a table in the office, which at one time included 11,000 real estate and 4,000 personal property bills that had been mailed out.

"You just look at them sometimes and don't think we'll ever get through, but we always do," said Bollinger, who is assisted by one full-time deputy collector.

Over the last three years, bills have been printed by computer, which is making the process a bit easier, but it is still a major undertaking.

A lifelong resident of the county, he is a descendant of the Frederick Bollinger family that operated Bollinger Mill in nearby Burfordville.

He was in the farming and timber business before running for collector in 1970 in the hopes of starting a new profession.

When Bollinger first took office, he knew just about everyone in the county. And, while just about everyone still knows him, Bollinger said there are a lot of new faces.

Tax statements are mailed out all over the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast, he said.

"There are a lot of new names around here, especially in the last three to four years," he said. "And it's not just retired people, but a lot of younger people are moving here who have no family ties to the county."

Although the influx of new people is driving up land prices for the natives, land prices are cheap when compared to other parts of the country, which makes Bollinger County attractive for people wanting to relocate.

When retirement comes March 1, Bollinger and his wife will spend time visiting their three children and four grandchildren. Two of their children live in St. Louis and one lives in Florida.

He will also stay active in the Optimist Club and the Presbyterian Church.

Fishing is a passion of Bollinger's, and will take up a good part of his retirement hours. This summer, they hope to take a trip to Alaska where he plans to pursue fishing opportunities.

His office, crowded with taxpayers, Bollinger seemed satisfied he had made the right decision not to seek re-election, and even a bit anxious to close out his office and move on to another phase of his life.

"I think the people resect me and the job I have done," he said. "You have got to have that trust from the people, and I think I have it."