On the Board UP CLOSE & PERSONAL In the Field

Welcome to Up Close and Personal – On the Board, a regular column in New Hampshire Town and City dedicated to giving readers a closer look at our members serving on our board of directors. In this issue, we hope you enjoy meeting Holly Larsen, Finance Director and Tax Collector with the City of Berlin. Holly joined the board in December 2021.

TC: What are your duties and responsibilities as Finance Director and Tax Collector?

HL: There are too many to list here. Manage staff of 5. Oversee DMV registrations, Property Taxes, Sewer taxes, P/R, A/P, A/R. Budget and Finance reporting for City of Berlin.

TC: What is your biggest challenge in performing your duties?

HL: Being able to switch gears every 10 minutes. I guess driving a standard transmission car most of my life has helped.

TC: How has NHMA helped you to do your job?

HL: Direction when nuances come up. A good ear to bend to make sure I am understanding things correctly.

TC: Give us an example of a problem you solved or a dilemma you faced and overcame in the line of duty?

HL: ARPA, need I say more…

TC: What is the public perception about your job and how does it differ from the reality of your job?

HL: I set the tax rates for City of Berlin. I don’t set the rates, I just help facilitate the process.

TC: Has your public position changed you personally?

HL: Yes, I hide more from newspapers and cameras.

TC: Has your job changed the way you look at the role of government?

HL: Slightly.

TC: What advice would you give someone who would like to follow in your footsteps into this job?

HL: Fasten your seat belt, don’t take everything personal, and be as kind as possible.