Meet Scott Finlayson, Johnson County’s next treasurer

IOWA CITY — Scott Finlayson is passionate about public service and his background shows it.

Whether that is his service in the U.S. Navy, extensive volunteer history in Johnson County or his dedication to ensuring everyone coming through the Johnson County Treasurer’s office has a good experience.

Finlayson, a Democrat, was elected as Johnson County treasurer earlier this month. He ran unopposed in both the primary and the general, has been with the treasurer’s office since 2012. He is currently the lead deputy.

“I get my greatest enjoyment in helping folks, and so that's what's great about the treasurer's office,” Finlayson said. “You're helping people every day … solve problems and get things figured out.”

Finlayson, of Iowa City, succeeds Tom Kriz, who has been treasurer since 1999. Kriz is retiring and did not seek re-election.

The Johnson County treasurer’s office collects and distributes property taxes, maintains bank accounts and conducts tax sales on properties where taxes haven’t been paid. The office also includes the motor vehicle department where residents can register their car or other vehicles.

The county treasurer will be paid $121,361 in fiscal 2023.

A background of service

Finlayson was born in Waterloo and raised in Mason City.

Finlayson served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1993. Afterward, he went to the University of Iowa, graduating with a degree in philosophy and political science in 1996 and from the UI College of Law in 1999.

His professional career has focused on civil law and finance. He worked for what used to be First National Bank downtown and was an assistant county attorney handling civil matters for Johnson County.

Finlayson has an extensive volunteer history in the community and has been involved with the Johnson County Democrats, Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, Riverside Theatre and Johnson County National Alliance on Mental Illness, among other local groups.

This past election cycle, Finlayson was out every Saturday knocking on doors for Democratic candidates.

“I love this area, and I love the town and love the people,” Finlayson said.

Continuing quality of service within the office

Finlayson joined the treasurer’s office in 2012 and is now the office’s lead deputy.

As he prepares to step into his new role, Finlayson wants to make sure to continue the reputation and quality of service created by Kriz and staff.

“It’s really an honor to come to work in that office every day,” Finlayson said.

Finlayson added that Kriz has put together a good staff and Kriz’s focus has always been to ensure a good atmosphere for staff and customers.

“That expression ‘your work family’ that's the most important thing that I've learned from Tom is that your relationships with your co-workers is the foundation for all quality service within the industry,” Finlayson said.

Finlayson’s first year as treasurer will be focused on learning the internal structure of the office and networking with county staff to make sure the office is as efficient as possible.

He also hopes to explore down the line ways to modernize the transaction process and make it easier for customers.

Finlayson added he is looking forward to working with the other elected officials in Johnson County.

“I have great respect for them all,” he said. “They each have a unique perspective that they bring to their roles, which is highly valuable for a well-rounded discussion of topics.”

Something he wishes more residents knew about the treasurer’s office is “every single member of the staff cares about them and their transaction.”

“We want the transaction to go well for the customer as much as the customer does,” Finlayson said.

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