Administrative History
The county treasurer was established as an elective office at the County's creation in 1850. The treasurer's duties were to collect money due the County and to appropriately disperse funds. The treasurer also served as tax collector in 1850, after which time the sheriff collected state and county taxes. The office of tax collector was officially created as an elected office in 1861. From 1876 to 1893, the treasurer served as ex-officio tax collector. The county recorder served as county auditor until 1893, although the auditor was officially a separate office after 1860. The auditor's duties were to examine the accounts maintained by the county treasurer. In 1951, the new county charter established the treasurer, as well as the tax collector and auditor, as appointed positions. In 1958, the office of controller was created to assume the responsibilities of the auditor. In 1967, the controller/treasurer office was created to consolidate the functions of the treasurer, tax collector, and auditor. Currently, the controller/treasurer is part of the County's Department of Finance.
From the guide to the Controller-Treasurer records, 1858-1990, (Santa Clara County Archives.)
