County Treasurer Kim Northup retires after 18 years of service

After over 18 years of serving as the Rooks County Treasurer, Kim Northup officially retired on Monday, April 1st, with Denise Murchie stepping into the position. Northup was elected five times, giving continuity to a job that oversees a variety of tasks for the county.

Northup stated, “It’s not just one job. It was always exciting since there was something new every day.” The treasurer’s office is responsible for processing all payments from department heads and outside sources, taxes, from mailing out statements to collecting, driver’s license renewals, vehicle transfers, title work, and anything else involving vehicles, including commercial vehicle transactions.

During her tenure, Northup said the most significant change to her office was in technology, modernizing the workload to computers. She said, “We went from paper ledgers to computers for all our bookkeeping.”

Over the years, Northup said she has had a great staff and worked with several commissioners, officials, and people from all across the state, nation, and even overseas. “I have a lot of people call to pay their taxes, and during my time as treasurer, we have become good acquaintances. I will miss visiting with them.”

Northup will also miss her staff members, including her deputy Terri Moore, who has also retired. Terri said, “I told Kim I would work as long as she was the treasurer, and I was happy when she announced her retirement!” Moore worked for the treasurer’s office for 24 years and made the decision to retire early to spend time with her family and enjoy her grandkids.

That is precisely what Northup will also be doing: taking time for herself and enjoying life. “I put off many things for a long time, and now I will have the time to do them.” Northup and her husband, Dave, have two children and five grandchildren who are very involved in school, sports, etc.

Northup stated, “It was an honor and a privilege to serve the community. I will really miss the people. I loved my job. I found it challenging and fulfilling, but it is a new time, and now, new people are stepping in as they should be.”