Mickie Towers Carnes

BANDERA COUNTY TREASURER

What do you want voters to know about you?

My name is Mickie Towers Carnes, and I have lived in Bandera County most of my life. I attended Bandera public schools from elementary through graduation at Bandera High School, and this community has always been home to me. Public service runs deep in my family. My grandmother, Bonnie Towers, proudly served Bandera County for more than 16 years as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1. From her example, I learned the importance of integrity, accountability, honesty, and fairness to all—values I have carried with me throughout my life and career.

I have dedicated more than 16 years to working for Bandera County Justice of the Peace offices and currently serve as the Chief Deputy Clerk for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3. In this role, I am responsible for maintaining accurate records, managing daily operations, and ensuring the public is served professionally and fairly.

Before my county service, I worked for USAA for 12 years, where I gained strong experience in financial practices, accuracy, and responsibility. In addition, I am a licensed Realtor, which has further strengthened my understanding of contracts, financial transactions, and attention to detail.

My professional background, combined with my lifelong connection to Bandera County and commitment to public service, has prepared me to serve with dedication, transparency, and respect for the people of this county.

What will your priorities be, both short term and long term?

My immediate priorities will be to ensure accuracy, compliance, and public trust in all financial operations. I will: Review existing procedures to confirm funds are properly received, deposited, and reported Strengthen internal controls to safeguard taxpayer money Work closely with the County Auditor, Commissioners Court, and department heads to ensure smooth operations Ensure full compliance with Texas law and county policies Improve transparency by making financial information clearer and more accessible to the public Establish open communication with county employees and residents My long-term goal is to leave the Treasurer’s Office stronger, more efficient, and worthy of the public’s trust.

Maintain strong fiscal responsibility and conservative cash-management practices Identify opportunities to modernize processes for efficiency and security Support responsible county growth while respecting Bandera County’s rural character Build continuity and institutional knowledge within the Treasurer’s Office Promote transparency and professionalism as permanent standards

What do you see as your office’s biggest challenge, and how do you plan to address it?

One of the challenges that I will address is, I will make it a point to establish open lines of communication, encourage questions, and resolve issues early before they become problems.

I plan to ensure that procedures are consistent, transparent, and well understood by everyone involved. By working as a team, we can safeguard taxpayer funds, meet all legal requirements, and keep county operations running smoothly. I will approach the office with professionalism, respect, and a willingness to listen, recognizing that strong relationships lead to strong results.

My goal is to support my fellow county officials and employees while upholding the highest standards of accountability and public service.

Campaigns often focus on change. What is something you believe is important to maintain?

While campaigns often focus on change, I believe it is just as important to maintain what is already working well.

One of the most important things to preserve in the Bandera County Treasurer’s Office is strong fiscal responsibility and sound financial procedures. If systems are accurate, compliant with Texas law, and protecting taxpayer funds, those foundations should be maintained and respected.

It is also important to maintain professional working relationships with county employees, the Commissioners Court, and the County Auditor. Consistency, communication, and teamwork are critical to keeping county finances running smoothly.

Finally, I believe in maintaining public trust. Transparency, integrity, and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars should remain constant priorities.

Improvement is always welcome where needed, but stability, accountability, and respect for proven systems are essential to serving the citizens of Bandera County effectively.