Susan
Sleeper
for Auditor
you can rest easy.”
Dream Big, DeKalb 💙
🐑 Did You Know?
Hover a sheep to learn what your County Auditor really does
Manages County Budgets
The Auditor prepares financial analyses, cash flow projections, and assists with budget development — ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent appropriately and efficiently.
Annual Financial Report
Every year, the Auditor files a comprehensive financial report audited by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, including all federal grant awards and key financial data.
Meeting Clerk
Attends every Commissioner and Council meeting, keeping official records of proceedings — deeply embedded in the daily operations of county government.
State-Audited Annually
DeKalb County receives over $750,000 in federal grants annually and is audited by the State every year — experience is essential.
Property Tax Deductions
The Auditor ensures tax breaks — such as homestead deductions and special reductions for seniors and veterans — are properly applied for every eligible resident.
Distributes Tax Revenue
After property taxes are collected, the Auditor distributes funds to cities, towns, schools, townships, libraries, and special units of government across DeKalb County.
Pass-Through Funding
Manages and tracks all pass-through funding from the State of Indiana — a complex, high-stakes responsibility requiring specialized expertise.
Extensive Training Required
Indiana Auditors must complete 5 hours of training before taking office, 15 hours in the first year, and 40 hours within three years — staying current with evolving laws.
Nearly 13 Years of Proven Experience
Susan Sleeper has dedicated her career to serving the residents of DeKalb County. From the moment she joined the Auditor’s office in 2013, she immersed herself in the financial heart of county government — mastering accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, state pass-through funding, and the complex Annual Financial Reporting requirements.
In Indiana, the County Auditor is more than a bookkeeper. As the chief fiscal officer, the Auditor plays a vital role in managing the county’s finances, ensuring accountability, and serving as a central hub for information. Their expertise is routinely sought by other officials for guidance on financial and operational matters.
Her journey from staff accountant to Chief Deputy to elected Auditor reflects not just ambition, but deep institutional knowledge that cannot be learned overnight. With major changes coming to LIT rate structures and property tax deductions in the years ahead, DeKalb County needs a steady, experienced hand.
Susan is a proud DeKalb County community member — serving on library boards, state committees, and leading the statewide Indiana Auditors Association as President-Elect for 2026.
Joined DeKalb County Auditor’s Office
Began career in accounts payable, payroll & financial reporting
Appointed Chief Deputy Auditor
Recognized for expertise and leadership within the office
Served as Interim Auditor
Stepped up to serve for 10 months to ensure continuity for DeKalb County
Officially Caucused as Auditor
Formally caucused to complete the term through December 2022
Elected Auditor — First Full Term
Chosen by DeKalb County voters to lead the office
Running for Re-Election
Seeking a second term to continue serving DeKalb County
Real Results for DeKalb County
Launched Online Deduction Ability — saving residents time and trips to the courthouse
Created an Online Document Portal for easy public access to county records
Implemented Electronic Claims Processing for all county departments — faster, more accurate
Helped grow County General reserves from 4.49% to 40–55% — a fiscally responsible transformation
Maintained balanced budgets with healthy reserves year after year
Led compliance with all State audit requirements — DeKalb County passes every year
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
LIT Rate Structure Changes
Major Local Income Tax rate structure changes are coming to Indiana counties. Getting this wrong could be detrimental to DeKalb County’s finances. This is not the time to hand the reins to someone learning on the job.
Property Tax Deduction Overhaul
Property tax deductions are shifting to credits, fundamentally changing how revenue flows. The Auditor must navigate these changes carefully — a misstep affects every homeowner and business in DeKalb County.
Federal Grant Compliance
DeKalb County receives over $750,000 in federal grants annually, triggering mandatory state audits every single year. Compliance requires deep, specialized knowledge that Susan has built over 13 years.
Statewide Leadership
As President-Elect of the Indiana Auditors Association and a member of the Indiana Deferred Compensation Committee, Susan brings statewide connections and influence that benefit DeKalb County directly.
A Constitutional Role
The County Auditor’s office was established by the Indiana Constitution. While elected by county voters, the Auditor’s duties are largely defined by the Indiana General Assembly — making legal knowledge and experience absolutely essential.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
On average across Indiana, only 19% of property taxes go to the county itself. The Auditor is responsible for accurately distributing the rest to schools (43%), cities and towns (24%), townships (3%), libraries (4%), and special units (7%).
Susan Serves Beyond the Office
Waterloo-Grant Township Library Board
Secretary, currently serving second term
Indiana Auditors Association
President-Elect 2026 · VP 2025 · Treasurer 2024
Indiana Deferred Compensation Committee
Appointed by the State Board of Finance · Term ends June 2028
State Comptroller Roundtable
Member — connecting DeKalb County to state-level financial leadership
DeKalb County Republican Women’s Group
Prior Treasurer · Served 4 years (2 terms)