During the fiscal year, we collected $12,925,683 in current property taxes, $444,240 in delinquent taxes.
Delinquent interest charges collected totaled $251,485.
$795,691 in sewer use taxes.
The Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting, processing, and balancing property taxes on all real
estate, motor vehicles, and personal property. In addition to property taxes, we also collect sewer use and
sewer assessment charges. Approximately 35,000 tax bills and delinquent statements are mailed and processed
each year. Liens are recorded in the land records for all unpaid real estate, personal property, and sewer
accounts each year. All motor vehicle accounts that are not paid when due are reported to the Department of
Motor Vehicles as delinquent and registrations cannot be obtained or renewed until all bills are paid in full.
Various reports are filed with the State Office of Policy and Management for reimbursements on programs that
benefit elderly and disabled taxpayers. We provide a great deal of information to attorneys, title searchers,
banks, and the general public.
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During the fiscal year, we collected $12,925,683 in current property taxes, $444,240 in delinquent taxes,
$795,691 in sewer use taxes, and $47,564 in sewer assessment charges. Delinquent interest charges collected
totaled $251,485. Lien fees collected totaled $8,885. Other fees totaled $8,363. These figures represent a
97% collection rate on the current levy and 100% when back taxes are included. We have met and exceeded the
expectations of the Board of Finance.
Dealing with delinquent accounts is always a difficult task. We have made great headway with these accounts
over the past five years. Part of this process included tax sales on properties that were least 5 years
delinquent and repeated notices to record owners were ignored. The tax sales were successful, realizing
income of approximately $25,000. We have also obtained the services of a collection agency to collect
delinquent motor vehicle and personal property accounts. This company has capabilities to locate people
throughout the United States. The approximate income using this collection tool was $5,000. These efforts
will continue in the upcoming year to meet the financial needs of the town.
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