Raisley retires after 35 years as tax collector
Judy Raisley, tax collector for Prospect borough and Slippery Rock Area School District, retired after 35 years of service on Friday.
According to Keri Raisley, Judy's daughter and owner of the Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home, Judy became tax collector in 1986, filling the role for her husband when he died.
“My dad was the owner of the funeral home and worked as tax collector. He passed at 41 ... she finished his term,” Keri said. “She ran every four years since and has won.
“She was ... a friendly helpful person people could come to with tax issues.”
Judy said she most enjoyed working with people during her time as tax collector.
“I'm going to miss the people of Prospect. They're great,” Judy said. “Early on, I had people who ran against me, but I always seemed to come out on top. I'm a hometown girl.”
Chris Savage, acting chief assessor of Butler County, said he worked with Judy for 33 years and that it would be unusual for her to not be tax collector.
“I enjoyed working with her. She was always professional and easy to get along with,” Savage said. “I knew her in Prospect when I was a kid.”
Savage said Judy had a positive impact on the community she served for so long.
“She likes the people. She always served them well. She has a wonderful laugh and a wonderful smile,” Savage said.
Keri said she believes her mother will remain busy in retirement. She enjoys golfing and volunteering for Meals on Wheels as well as spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Further, she continued to say that her mother's love of people will keep her involved in the family business during retirement.
“She's still going to be associated with the funeral home because of her love of people,” Keri said.
She has heard many share sentiments that her mother will be missed in her role as the tax collector.
“Lots of people are telling her she will be missed,” Keri said.
Judy said she looks forward to retirement and anticipates using some of her newfound time to travel to Florida more often to see her other daughter there.
Nonetheless, she will miss those who she's served.
“I'm very happy with what the past 35 years have been,” Judy said.
