Ontario County recently paid tribute to Gary Baxter upon his retirement as county treasurer, recognizing his nearly 50 years of dedication to public service. At a meeting of the county Board of Supervisors, Baxter was honored with an award of commendation, and State Sen. Pam Helming, who read a proclamation, announced that Baxter will be recognized by both the state Senate and Assembly later this month. Baxter, who began his career in public service with the Geneva Police Department in 1978, expressed his pride in serving as the county treasurer and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.
Throughout his career, Baxter made significant contributions, starting one of the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) programs in New York state and serving in various capacities including a detective with the Geneva Police Department, an Ontario County sheriff’s deputy, and an at-large city councilor for Geneva. In 2005, he was appointed as county treasurer by then-Gov. George Pataki and subsequently elected to the position, where he implemented numerous improvements to the treasurer’s office.
Board Chairman Todd Campbell and Victor Supervisor Jack Marren praised Baxter for his efforts to improve the treasurer’s office and reduce the number of properties auctioned off due to delinquent taxes. Baxter’s deputy, Jeff Trickler, will take over the treasurer duties for the remainder of the year, with an election for the position set for November. Baxter’s legacy of service and the enhancements he brought to the county treasurer’s office are expected to benefit Ontario County residents for years to come.
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