40 years and counting…Elliott still loves working in, and serving the public in the Revenue Commissioner’s Office

When Youlander Hamilton Elliott graduated from Russellville High School in 1987, little did she know she was already working in the only job she would ever accept.

Thanks to RHS’ Cooperative Education Program in the
Career Tech Department and a summer cooperative work program for high school students, Elliott was hired at the Franklin County Tax Assessor’s Office the summer prior to her senior year.

Her job performance earned her the opportunity to continue co-op employment during her senior year. And after her graduation, Elliott accepted a full-time job in what would soon become the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner’s Office, after a 1997 law consolidated the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices in Franklin County.

When Elliott, the Revenue Commissioner’s Office Chief Clerk the past 10 years, walked into the Franklin County Courthouse Thursday morning, October 1st, she began her 41st year in the only job she’s ever known.

“I’m a big believer in cooperative education. It was definitely a blessing in my life and it gives students opportunities to find out if a certain career is something they want to continue with after high school,” Elliott said.

Elliott’s job tenure has spanned through the administration of six different Tax Assessors/Collectors or Revenue Commissioners. She started working for Larry Prince, then Jacky Warhurst, Don Garrard, Gene Ellison, Veronica Stancil and now, Stratt Byars.

“Franklin County and the Revenue Commissioner’s Office is fortunate to have Ms. Youlander and her experience,” Byars said. “I think I speak for our whole department in saying everyone draws on her experience and she does so much for all of us that’s above and beyond the call of duty.”

40 years working for an elected official is a rarity. Elliott learned quickly to stay under the political radar, choosing to concentrate on treating Franklin County citizens with respect and patience.

Franklin County citizens come in to the Revenue Commissioner’s office to pay property taxes, pay tag renewals, pay business taxes, and Elliott understands it can be a stressful experience for the public.

“I’ve been blessed to work for good bosses who have all been good to their employees and the people who come to their office,” Elliott said. “And I love working with the public. I’ve always enjoyed serving others. It’s something I first learned from my grandmother, Bertie Hamilton, who worked at Burns Nursing Home.

“She taught me to treat people every day how you want to be treated. If they come in and are upset, you never know what they’re going through in their lives so it doesn’t change the way they get treated,” she added.

A mother of four and a proud grandmother of four grandsons, Elliott said she was blessed while raising her kids to have supportive family members who made great babysitters.

“I was always able to work and didn’t have to worry about who was taking care of my babies,” Elliott said.

Elliott’s four-decade career is a confluence of not only her strong work ethic, but her supportive family, the dedication of her co-workers and she’ll continue to come to work every day with no sign of ‘the R word’ in the near future.

“I’ll just be 58 on my next birthday and I still love working here. With the Lord’s blessing, I’ll continue this job I love of helping people,” Elliott said.