Defying the Government Stereotype
Maria has shown that government can deliver real results through innovation, accountability, and steady leadership.
Keep scrolling to see how her work as Treasurer has made a difference — and why she’s seeking re-election.
A New Kind of Public Servant
Safeguarding Your Dollars
Safeguarding your tax dollars requires more than basic procedures—it requires thoughtful management and long-term planning. Under Maria’s leadership, the Treasurer’s Office has implemented modern cash-flow strategies and innovative collections practices; resulting in more than a 1,000% increase in investment income for Beaufort County, and leading the State and the Nation in best practices.
Putting You First
Taxes are a part of life—but dealing with government shouldn’t be frustrating. Maria has instituted customer-focused payment services, including myBeaufortCounty and a public access system, making it easier for residents and businesses to access information and manage payments conveniently and securely.
Creating Leaders
Maria believes strong organizations are built by developing people. Built upon the vision, mission and core values she established, Maria encourages openness, collaboration, and shared ownership within the Treasurer’s Office—creating an environment where public servants are empowered to grow, lead, and serve the community well.
What Beaufort County Residents Are Saying
James Berry
Maria Walls is incredibly dedicated and involved member of our community bringing incredible innovation and technology in her leadership role as the Beaufort Country Treasurer. She deserves our vote to keep delivering accountable, efficient, and taxpayer-focused financial stewardship for Beaufort County. Her proven track record of innovation, professionalism, and dedication makes her the clear choice to continue leading the Treasurer's Office.
Teacher, Musician and Dad
Leah McCarthy
There isn’t a better person to manage our tax dollars. As a 37-year resident and 24-year business owner, Maria has been the most professional, conscientious, and capable Treasurer we have had. She has transformed the office and made doing business with the Treasurer’s Office the best its ever been.
Business Owner and Mom
Cherie Cahoon
Retiree
Honesty is hard to find these days. As a longtime Beaufort County resident, I believe we are fortunate to have Maria as our Treasurer. Her work gives residents confidence that our tax dollars are handled with integrity, professionalism, and care.
Tisha Chafer
Realtor
What stands out most about Maria is her accessibility and follow-through. She is not an elected official sitting behind a desk — she is engaged, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping residents navigate what can sometimes be a frustrating process.
As a real estate agent, I also appreciate the numerous upgrades Maria has implemented to the Treasurer’s website. It is far more user-friendly and efficient, benefiting homeowners, buyers, and professionals alike.
Beckie Bursey
HR Manager and Mom
What makes Maria stand out isn’t the role that she occupies, but who she is as a person. What defines her role is that it’s marked by integrity, consistency, and a commitment to stewardship that isn’t situational but rooted in who she is and how she shows up in every decision that she makes on behalf of the county.
Lupi Tupou
It has been a blessing to know Maria Walls. As our world faces constant change, Maria remains a constant for Beaufort County. Her dedication isn’t just a promise, it’s a proven history of efficiency and conservative stewardship. She has the vision to lead and the experience to deliver. For a future built on solid ground, Maria is the choice for Beaufort County.
Military Spouse and Mom
Support Effective Public Service
Running for office isn’t something anyone does alone, it takes a team.
Your contribution helps ensure we can continue this work with integrity, clarity, and care for the people of Beaufort County. I’m deeply grateful for your encouragement, trust, and support.
What Does a County Treasurer Do?
In South Carolina, a County Treasurer serves as the Chief Banking Officer for the County and School District — managing billions in public funds and collecting the taxes that support essential services.
In Beaufort County, the County Treasurer also serves as the Tax Collector, responsible for pursuing taxes that have become delinquent.
Bill and Collect Taxes
The Treasurer is responsible for distributing property tax bills and collecting the amounts owed. This marks the beginning of the county’s annual revenue cycle and ensures that essential services — like schools, public safety, and infrastructure — are properly funded.
Offer Payment Options
Taxes are a part of life, but paying them shouldn’t be stressful or confusing. The Treasurer provides multiple billing and payment options so taxpayers can choose what works best for them — including online, in-person, mail, and flexible payment programs.
Manage Public Funds
Beyond collecting taxes, the Treasurer is responsible for managing and safeguarding the County and School District’s funds until they are spent. This includes investing available funds responsibly so they earn returns and help offset government costs — saving taxpayer dollars.
Serve Beaufort County
As an elected public servant, the Treasurer puts Beaufort County’s taxpayers first in every service offered and decision made. The goal is simple: operate with integrity, transparency, and care — and make government easier to understand and navigate.