Laura Bates will be Miller County, Ark.'s next tax collector, and Nancy G. Herron will be the county's tax assessor, according to the complete but unofficial results of Tuesday's election.
Bates defeated Tommy Crank, 3,152 to 1,479. Herron topped Daniel "Danny" Lewis, 3,469 to 1,163.
"I am so happy, I'm at a loss for words right now. I am honored that the people of Miller County elected me to be their next tax collector. I want to thank everyone for supporting me," Bates said.
Bates' top priority will be to continue collecting the $13 million in delinquent taxes that remain outstanding, she said.
Bates is a deputy collector in the Miller County Tax Collector's Office. She has been involved with every aspect of the office-opening and closing the tax books, balancing debits and credits, balancing the bank account, applying exemptions to accounts and working with improvement districts, according to a candidate profile previously published in the Gazette.
Herron has been the chief deputy tax assesor for the past four years. The race was her first run for an elected position.
"I didn't give up. I'm so excited," Herron said. "Thank you to all my supporters. Thank you to my family. Thank you to my friends."
Herron said cross-training among her staff and other classes top her agenda for the office.
Voters also decided three district-specific races in the county.
In the race for the Democratic nomination for District 2 justice of the peace, Laney Harris beat Al Davis, 49 votes to 40. Harris will face Republican Janet B. Green in the general election.
For District 9 justice of the peace, incumbent John B. Haltom beat Robert "Howdy" Smith, 269 to 242.
Farron Gladden beat Hollis Rhoden, 96 to 75, in the race for District 11 constable.