February 5, 2010
CITY AND COUNTY
OFFICIALS STILL OWE
PROPERTY TAXES
During a fiscal crisis, County and City Officials should take the
lead in paying taxes. Some are
busy spending our money but aren’t paying their share.
County Officials:
Commissioner Carl
Pennamon owes 2009 property taxes of $1937.04.
Chief Magistrate Ken
Jackson owes 2 years of property taxes—2008 for $365.75 and 2009 for
$312.28. This totals $678.03.
Why do the Commissioners
allow employees to be paid with our tax dollars when the employees aren’t
paying their own taxes? One county staff
person owes 3 years of property taxes totaling over $2000.00. Garnishments should be considered.
City Officials:
City Councilwoman
Molly Pompey owes 2009 property taxes of $723.62.
Special Zoning Allowed—Taxes still
owed
Remember the big 900 acre
rezoning so property could be developed off Highway 11 N? Property owner William
Blincoe has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
Total amount owed the County is
“complicated” but over $50,000.00.
Past due taxes
still owed
Total taxes still due for
2009 –total for county, city, and school board--$1,661,007.
Total taxes still due for
2008-- total for county, city, and school board--$582,991.
Total taxes still due for
years previous to 2008-- total for county, city, and school board--$320,798.
Total due and outstanding is $2,564,796. The portion of these taxes due to the County
is approximately 38% according to the Tax Commissioner. The county’s portion would be close to
$974,622
TWG is very aware that many
people can not pay their taxes on time or have set up installment payments
because they are out of work or have other financial hardships. If taxes are increased, it will be even
worse. However, elected officials should set
the standard and pay on time, as should county employees that are being
paid by the citizens with their tax dollars.
