Agenda - 01-17-1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

CONSOLIDATED 'TAX COLLECTIONS The Count of Orange is collecting taxes for almost all of the taxpayers for whom the three municipalities of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough are providing the same "service". It appears that this dual - activity need be performed only once at a considerably reduced cost and resulting savings to the taxpayers, as well as less of the inconvenience from dealings with two governments and two bills. As this r port is reviewed, it should be understood that the collections activity of th County will remain much as it would be if it were collecting only its own taxes. The tax amount on some of its bills will be larger, but the volume wild be the same. The increased activity will come in distribution of taxes and r porting to several units. Unfortunately, at least at first, there will be onsiderable problems arising just from the confusion 'of a new • system. TAX BILLING The Count is currently preparing separate bills for each unit using the same computerized .data base that it uses for its own bill . A single bill can be prepare(E from this base combining City and County taxes, just as the County now joi s with Special Districts. This activity alone will save approximately 11 .00 per municipal taxpayer including the cost of the extra bill , envelopes stuffing and postage. It is part icularly important that bills be prepared as soon as possible after the sett ng of the tax rates. A single scroll will be prepared with subtotals for each unit and each unit will be provided with a copy of that scroll and a copy of any additional billings such s "corporate excess" (the State determined utility taxes). The entir amount of the levy will be "charged" to the County Tax Collector annually by the Orange County Board. She will then have complete legal authorit for collection of the levy. COLLECTIONS For mailing purposes, the tax bill will identify the County offices. . The large majority of the taxes will be received by this method. There will , of course, be some mail receipts at the municipal buildings. Generally these would be forwarded by mail to the Courthouse. Taxpayers should be encouraged to mail in their payments and considerable initial publici�y should be directed toward this goal in order to limit the walk-in activity. "Walk-in customers", however, will be received in Chapel Hill and Carrbo' o municipal buildings and in the Courthouse for the payment of the taxes of any of the four units.