In its continuing efforts to collect as much as possible of the taxes levied, Statesboro's annual tax sale will be this morning beginning at 10 a.m. on the porch of city hall.
As of Monday morning, only three properties were scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, though the property owner has until the sale begins to pay the taxes owed. The total owed on the three properties is $1,067.88.
"We're very aggressive in collecting property taxes," said City Clerk Judy McCorkle. "If we can collect all of it, it keeps is from having to increase the millage rate and place an added burden on those who do pay their taxes."
In its previous fiscal year, the city levied $3.4 million in taxes and expects to collect at least 99 percent of that. On the city's agenda for today's meeting, there is a motion to write off $891.90 as uncollectable.
Last week, city officials stopped at local businesses who owed taxes and took money from the cash register to pay off the debts.
"Georgia law allows for a till tap where we go to the place where the property is located and tap the till," McCorkle said. "If they can't pay, we're authorized to go into the cash register to get the money needed to pay the bill or to seize the equipment. It's not something we like to do, but we do take our role in collecting property taxes very seriously."
McCorkle explained that the taxes go towards paying for services like the fire and police departments as well as administrative tasks to keep the city running. Its budget is predicated on collecting the expected revenue from taxes.
"We feel that it's our charge from the citizens and tax payers to do everything we can to collect what we're owed," she said.
Luke Martin can be reached at (912) 489-9454.
As of Monday morning, only three properties were scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, though the property owner has until the sale begins to pay the taxes owed. The total owed on the three properties is $1,067.88.
"We're very aggressive in collecting property taxes," said City Clerk Judy McCorkle. "If we can collect all of it, it keeps is from having to increase the millage rate and place an added burden on those who do pay their taxes."
In its previous fiscal year, the city levied $3.4 million in taxes and expects to collect at least 99 percent of that. On the city's agenda for today's meeting, there is a motion to write off $891.90 as uncollectable.
Last week, city officials stopped at local businesses who owed taxes and took money from the cash register to pay off the debts.
"Georgia law allows for a till tap where we go to the place where the property is located and tap the till," McCorkle said. "If they can't pay, we're authorized to go into the cash register to get the money needed to pay the bill or to seize the equipment. It's not something we like to do, but we do take our role in collecting property taxes very seriously."
McCorkle explained that the taxes go towards paying for services like the fire and police departments as well as administrative tasks to keep the city running. Its budget is predicated on collecting the expected revenue from taxes.
"We feel that it's our charge from the citizens and tax payers to do everything we can to collect what we're owed," she said.
Luke Martin can be reached at (912) 489-9454.