County Trustee Interview: Fred Sisk

Property taxes just got easier with Fred Sisk. He is running for Knox County Trustee.

1. Introduce yourself to Knoxville, who are you, and why are you running?

My name is Fred Sisk and I am running to be the Knox County Trustee. I am a native of Powell and graduated from Ole Miss in 1978 with a Bachelors of Business Administration. After graduation I worked in my family business’ until I began work for the Trustee’s Office in 1989 under then Trustee Robert L Broome. During my 18 years in the Trustee’s Office I have worked from a accounting clerk position up to the Deputy Trustee’s position. During that time I studied and learned everything as much as I could about the Trustee’s Office. I’ve taken educational classes and training seminars and became a member of the TGFOA Tennessee Government Finance Officers Association which is an organization dedicated to the training and advancement of local and state government finance officials. I administer the Bank Treasury Management Services for Knox County. I am a member of the Knox County Investment Committee. I have worked with the Industrial Development Board of Knox County and have a thorough knowledge of the PILOT and TIF programs and the effect on Knox County property tax. I have a thorough knowledge of the Lawson financial system and the work with the Knox County Finance department on a daily basis. This year we have implemented Check 21 electronic deposit of tax payments thereby earning additional interest from Knox County. The Trustee’s Office will collect of $220 Million dollars in property tax this year and the Trustee needs to be knowledgeable and experienced in an operation of this size and complexity. I would like to offer my knowledge in tax billing and tax collection and expertise in investing your tax dollars as proof the I am the most qualified person to be your Trustee.
I am running because my goal is to make paying property taxes easier. I want to make the Trustee’s office accessible to taxpayers to ask questions, get answers, and to make payments. Because when you make paying taxes easier, you collect more money.

2. We think it’s better knowing what not to do rather than having an extensive plan. What areas or interests would benefit Knox County not to venture into?

Knox County has been approached about financing a “Ethanol Production Facility”. I believe this type of project would be better serve by being in private hands rather the public financing.

3. What 5 things could you not live without?

1. God
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Health