After more than four decades serving the citizens of Marshall County, longtime County Treasurer Laura Larkin said her commitment to the community remains rooted in the same values that shaped her growing up in Madill.
“MynameisLauraLarkin, and I’m proud to be a hometown girl,” Larkin said. “I graduated from Madill High School, and my family has deep roots in Madill. I am blessed with one daughter, one stepson, and five wonderful grandchildren.”
For Larkin, Marshall County is more than a place to work. It is home.
“There is something special about growing up in a small county, raising your family in a small county, and spending your career serving the people who make up your community,” she said. “Knowing your neighbors, supporting one another, and watching generations grow is what makes our county such a great place to call home. I am proud of my roots and grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and serve in the county I love.”
That connection to the community has been the foundation of a career spanning 44 years in the Marshall County Treasurer’s Office. During that time, Larkin has served 30 years as Deputy Treasurer and the past 14 years as County Treasurer. The extensive experience, she said, has provided her with a deep understanding of every aspect of the office’s operations.
“With 44 years of experience in the Marshall County Treasurer’s office, including 30yearsasDeputyTreasurer and14yearsservingasCounty Treasurer,Ihaveextensive hands-on experience managing public funds, financial records, investments, and daily operations of the office,” Larkin explained.
Her responsibilities have included overseeing tax collections, balancing accounts, distributing funds to local schools and agencies, managing investments and ensuring compliance with Oklahoma laws and regulations. Throughout her career, she has also participated in numerous Treasurer School conferences and earned certifications designed to keep county officials informed about changing laws, financial requirements, and best practices.
Larkin said those years of experience have reinforced the importance of accountability and transparency when handling taxpayer dollars.
“Taxpayers deserve honesty, accuracy, and confidence that their money is being handled responsibly,” she said.
AccordingtoLarkin,maintaining public trust requires careful oversight and strict adherence to state regulations. Shesaiddetailedrecord keeping, accurate reporting, daily balancing of accounts andcompliancewithauditing standards are all essential components of the Treasurer’s office. She also emphasized the importance of communication between county governments, schools, and other public agencies.
“I believe in open communication with the public and working closely with county officials, schools, and agencies to ensure funds are distributed correctly and efficiently,” Larkin said.
As technology and regulations continue to evolve, Larkin saidcontinuingeducation remains an important part of effective public service. Staying informed on new laws, financial procedures, and advancements in technology helps ensure the office can continue operating efficiently while meeting the needs of taxpayers.
Looking ahead, Larkin said she sees managing growth as one of the most significant financial challenges facing Marshall County.
“One of the biggest financial challenges facing our county is managing growth while still protecting taxpayer dollars and maintaining the services our community depends on,” she said.
As Marshall County continues to develop, rising costs, economic fluctuations and the need for accurate tax collection place increasing demands on county finances. Larkin believes careful financial managementandresponsible investment practices will be critical to maintaining stability.
If reelected, she said her focus will remain on accurate record keeping, responsible stewardship of county funds, timely distributions to schools and local agencies, and maintaining transparency with the public.
“I will continue using the experience and knowledge I have gained over the past 44 years in the Treasurer’s office to keep our county financially stable and compliant with state regulations,” Larkin said.
She added that protecting taxpayer dollars requires more than experience alone. It requires integrity and a commitment to treating public funds with the same care as personal finances.
“My goal is to continue providing steady leadership, accountability, and dependable service while ensuring taxpayer money is handled wisely and efficiently for the benefitofallMarshallCounty citizens,” she said.
For many residents, Larkin has become a familiar face in county government over the years. Her campaign message reflects a blend of experience, local roots and a commitment to maintaining the financial stability of Marshall County as it continues to grow. As voters consider the future leadership of the Treasurer’s Office, Larkin said her decades of service havepreparedhertocontinue safeguarding the county’s finances while serving the community she has called home her entire life.