Longtime Smith County employee Atonia Rawlings was sworn in to serve as treasurer on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Ms. Rawlings has worked for Smith County for 19 years and has been assistant treasurer since 2016.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve Smith County, and I am committed to making a positive impact in the community,” she said. “I am excited to contribute my knowledge and enthusiasm for continued progress.”

Ms. Rawlings was appointed to fill the unexpired term as treasurer by the Smith County Commissioners Court after Kelli White announced she was retiring after 25 years of service.

Ms. Rawlings started working in the Smith County District Clerk’s Office in 2006, serving as a bookkeeper for five years. She received her associate’s degree from Tyler Commercial College and Bish Mathis Institute in Business. She became a certified County Investment Officer in 2025.

In Texas, the statutory duties of a county treasurer revolve around the management of county finances. This includes receiving, depositing, and disbursing county revenues, acting as the liaison between the county and its banks, and maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions.

Treasurer’s responsibilities include:

Receiving and disbursing all funds belonging to the county; making proper records; issuing receipts; and depositing funds in the proper accounts in the bank depository. Additional duties include custodian of bail bond collateral, Smith County Bail Bond Board, share duties of payroll with the auditor's office, and serving as agent for state reports and payment on accounts.

Location

200 E. Ferguson, Suite 402
Tyler, Texas 75702

Phone: (903) 590-4730
Fax: (903) 590-4733

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M - F
Closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Treasurer's Duties

The Treasurer's job is to be public servants to the taxpayers of Smith County.

They are dedicated to the safety of the taxpayers’ funds and investing them wisely. Ms. White was privileged to be trained for five years by the previous County Treasurer of 20 years, Joyce Smith. Ms. Smith taught Ms. White that the County Treasurer is not a politician, but a public servant. The taxpayers are her bosses and she is accountable to them.

"I am honored to have been elected by the citizens of Smith County, and I’m very proud to have a staff that works so well together," Ms. White said. "We all work very diligently to make sure our office is based on a system of checks and balances and that we are accountable to our taxpayers for all our investments."

Additional Duties

• Receipt and disbursement of the County Tax Payer’s money.
• Receipts and Deposits for Elected Officials (JP’s, Constable’s, County Clerk, District Clerk, Tax Accessor/Collector reports to the County) also for Non-Elected Officials ( Law Library, Record Services, Fire Marshal, Sheriff, Animal Control, Juvenile, Road and Bridge, Retiree’s insurance, Pre-Trial Release, Adult Probation and other Non-Elected departments.)
• Prepares financial reports and payments for The State of Texas.
• Receipts and Deposits all Donations.
• Receives payments and deposits for the Hub rental through Commissioner’s Court office.
• Original reconciliation and safekeeping of County Bank Accounts
• Custodian of the Bail Bond Board Collateral
• Financial Manager and Coordinator of all Revenue bond funds; including initial issuance.
• Establishment of accounts