Boone County News Release
Legal same-sex marriage licenses from other states to be accepted for unclaimed property returns by Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway
February 24, 2014
County Treasurer's action recognizes all marriage licenses equally
Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway announced today that effective immediately legal same-sex marriage licenses from other states would be accepted as proof of claim for unclaimed property held by her office. The action will allow all surviving spouses to claim property by presenting a legal marriage license.
"For anyone losing a spouse, the last thing he or she should have to worry about is access to the financial resources that belong to them," County Treasurer Galloway said. "Today's action, while limited in scope, is a first step. It ensures anyone legally married in America, regardless of what state they were married in, will have that marriage respected by Boone County when it comes to having unclaimed property returned. Boone County respects legal documents from other states - this is an extension of that."
Unclaimed property includes checks issued by the county that remain uncashed. Examples include outstanding refund checks written to citizens or checks to vendors for services. Checks become unclaimed property if they are outstanding for 180 or more days. After being held for three years by County Treasurer Galloway, unclaimed property is required by state statute to be turned over to the state where it is held forever until claimed.
The Unclaimed Property Database is updated in real time, as checks continuously become unclaimed property. Citizens may search and file claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.ShowMeBoone.com/Treasurer. A record $14,876 in unclaimed property was returned in 2013 by County Treasurer Galloway, and $68,000 remains unclaimed in 3,000 accounts. Anyone with questions may call (573) 886-4365 or email treasurer@boonecountymo.org.
About Boone County Treasurer Nicole Galloway
County Treasurer Galloway is a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. She manages a $55 million investment portfolio, and is responsible for making sure it is invested safely and securely, that investments meet the liquidity necessary for the county's cash flow needs and that investments achieve the best return possible. She issues all general obligation and revenue bonds, administers banking services and manages unclaimed property for the county. She provides oversight for several financial and non-financial projects as a member of county boards and committees, including the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
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