Melodie Phelps, News Editor
CNHI
8-11-10 — Local residents who have unpaid 2009 property tax bills still have time
to pay the past due amount or set up a payment plan before the scheduled
sale of those bills on Saturday, August 17.
Wayne County Clerk Josephine Gregory noted by making those arrangements
now, property owners can realize hundreds of dollars in savings over what
they may end up paying one of the numerous companies that are interested in
purchasing delinquent 2009 property tax bills.
These types of companies, which purchase delinquent tax bills in many
locations, heap on attorney fees and other fees that make it even harder for
a property owner to pay.
For example, Gregory pointed out one example of a $1,500 delinquent tax
bill that had been purchased and ended up costing a property owner about
$3,000 by the time all the fees had been added.
This marks the first time that the sale of tax bills have fallen under
the direction of the County Clerk's Office.
In the past, it has been handled by the Sheriff's Office. But as Gregory
pointed out, this is the first time that property owners can actually set up
a payment plan for delinquent tax debt.
She said that several people have already taken advantage of this
option, while others have opted to pay tax bills in full prior to the sale.
This is an option only for delinquent 2009 bills. Plans cannot be set up for
any prior years, according to Gregory.
"Anyone who may have bought property in 2009 and was responsible for
those taxes should check and make sure their property is not included on the
list," said Gregory.
She said that often in those cases, the former property owner receives
the tax bill because they were owner of record on the first day of the year.
Sometimes new owners aren't aware of the delinquent bill.
Anyone who is interested in setting up a payment plan should contact the
Wayne County Attorney's Office.
Arrangements must be made prior to 10 a.m. on August 17, noted Gregory.
Anyone with questions regarding delinquent tax bills can contact the
Wayne County Clerk's Office at (606) 348-6661.