State Help Sought for Tax Collection

Hoping to reduce the backlog of property-tax assessment appeals, the Board of Supervisors on Friday voted to seek state funding to upgrade the property tax collection system.

With the board’s vote, county officials will begin discussion with the state Department of Finance about participating in the State-County Property Tax Administration Program.

Under the program, counties can receive millions of dollars in loans that enable them to make tax collection and assessment appeals services more efficient. Money could be used to hire new employees or buy equipment. If the county meets certain efficiency goals, it does not have to repay the loans.

“I think this is a good and worthwhile program,” Supervisor Marian Bergeson said.