Satellite tax collections to begin

Paying county property taxes has never been easier.

While the county Trustee's staff can't help with cash, they can assist with convenience.

Trustee Brenda Radford has arranged to collect taxes at county volunteer fire departments during January, and the first satellite collection will be Friday at East Montgomery Volunteer Fire Service.

"I want to make it as convenient as possible for taxpayers to pay their taxes in the neighborhoods where they live in the county and to be able to apply for tax relief at the fire stations," she said.

The initial idea was to help residents in rural areas of the county cut down or avoid a trip into Clarksville to pay their taxes, especially when gas prices were hovering around $4 per gallon.

Although pump prices are down, the convenience of having the office staff come to the taxpayers will also realize savings.

"We know that grocery prices have not gone down, and while fuel prices for cars have come down, fuel for heating our homes has not," Radford said. "Families are looking for savings, and some people have lost their jobs. Our goal at the Trustee's Office is to keep families in their homes and also to collect the county's taxes."

Convenience and savings are why her office offers so many payment options, she said. In addition to paying at fire stations, local residents can pay taxes at 29 different local banks or drop off their payment after hours at the Trustee's Office lock box.

During February, the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, and on Feb. 28 — when taxes are due — the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Also, the staff — either at the office or at the fire halls — may be able to help some folks save more on their tax bill by determining whether they qualify for any tax relief or freezes. If so, they will assist with the application process that could net anywhere from a $315 to $1,364 break on property taxes.

Radford said her office has taken 899 applications for tax relief/freezes for the next fiscal year. The deadline to apply is April 6.

City residents can also apply for the tax relief/freeze options through the city's Finance and Revenue Office, One Public Square, or by calling 645-7436 for information.

The County Commission will vote Monday on an agreement that would allow the Trustee's Office to handle both county and city applications for tax relief/freezes.

Residents wanting to apply for the tax help should bring documentation, such as proof of income and age, a death certificate if they are applying for widow benefits and disability information. For married couples, both spouses must sign the application.

Mark Hicks covers county and school governments and can be reached at 245-0200 or markhicks@theleafchronicle.com.