Warren County Tax Collector Pat Simrall will try for a fourth term in the office best known for selling car tags and collecting real estate taxes.

Appointed to office in 1993, Simrall filed qualifying papers and will appear on Democratic primary ballots Aug. 7.

The great-granddaughter of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Horatio Fleming Simrall, the 59-year-old Simrall was recognized in 2006 by the Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association for distinguished service.

Simrall is one of 23 tax collectors in Mississippi whose post is independent of the tax assessor. In smaller counties, one person is elected to establish values and track collections.

The tax collector is responsible for collecting taxes when due and properly turning over collections to county and state funds. In Warren County, the tax collector is also the receiving agent for most City of Vicksburg taxes. In addition to vehicle tags, business licenses are sold from Simrall’s office in the Warren County Courthouse.

Simrall’s is among the local posts that will be on the 2007 ballot along with statewide offices. It includes district attorney, sheriff, tax assessor, county prosecutor, justice court judges and constables. All candidates must file by March 1, which is less than three weeks away.

All five Warren County supervisors will seek re-election as well. So far, three of the five-member board have drawn opponents.

The general election is Nov. 6.