FINCASTLE – Bill Arney announced this week he is seeking the Republican Party nomination to run for Treasurer of Botetourt County.
Longtime Treasurer Benton Bolton announced this spring he is retiring and will not seek re-election.
Arney said he will carry on the traditions of fairness, honesty and professionalism that Botetourt residents have come to expect from the Treasurer’s Office.
With more than 30 years experience in the business community, Arney said he understands the need to safeguard and capably manage the county’s funds during a time of growth and transition.
As a past owner of a local business that employed an average of 20 persons for nearly 10 years, he said he has a successful track record in the crucial areas of funds management, revenue collections and revenue disbursements– three of the primary duties of the treasurer.
He said his past experience also includes roles as investment advisor, managing member of several property investment companies and certified general real estate appraiser. He has completed several investment courses as part of his professional training.
“I have a variety of experiences that would give me a good background to do something of this nature,” Arney said.
Arney and his wife, Teresa Witt Arney, have been married 20 years and are lifelong residents of the county. They have two sons at Lord Botetourt High School and a daughter at Greenfield Elementary, and both are active members of Bonsack Baptist Church where he serves as deacon and a finance committee member.
He also has been involved in youth sports and has coached various recreation teams the last 10 years. The family lives on Catawba Road in the Daleville area.
Arney said he’s always been interested in how the county is run, and was surprised when Bolton decided to retire. “Benton’s done a good job, and when the opportunity presented itself, I thought it would be good fit for me,” he said.
If given the privilege of serving Botetourt County residents as their treasurer, Arney said he will bring his considerable knowledge and experience as a business owner/operator and asset manager to the position. “My pledge is to treat all taxpayers fairly and equally by acting responsibly as custodian and guardian of county funds,” he added.