Beginning in October, people will be able to pay their taxes in four payments rather than all at one time.

The County Commission approved a resolution Tuesday night authorizing Trustee Marna Hull to accept partial payment. Hull said she had talked to surrounding counties that allow people to make payments and it helps with the collection rate.

Hull and County Attorney Jerome Melson have written a contract that the taxpayer will sign when agreeing to make payments.
"I think that will help our customers," said Commission Chairwoman Wanda Alexander.
Hull said the new payment option would not go into effect until the next bills are issued in October. However, she will work with people who currently still owe for their taxes to help them get their bill paid. Property taxes were due in February.

Each year the county sets its budget based on a 94 percent property tax collection rate, and usually receives about 96 percent. In May, Finance Director Brian Tallent estimated this year's collection rate would be about 90 percent, a revenue loss of $1.5 million.

In other business, the commission approved a resolution to continue operating under the 2008-09 budget until the new budget is approved. The fiscal year ends June 30. County Mayor Allan Watson said the Finance Office will begin the process of closing out the current year's books next week and the County Commission will meet in late July to work on the 2009-10 budget.

The commission approved a budget amendment of $240,172 for the Sheriff's Office and Jail. Tallent said the money was already in the sheriff's budget and did not include any new money from the fund balance. The money was being moved from other line items to cover salaries, utilities, and drugs and medical supplies.

"Food and medical costs are out the roof," said Tallent. He estimated it is costing $3,000 a week to feed the inmates.
"We did not plan for that at all," he said.

The Commission also approved the re-appointment of Gary Hamilton, Doyle Cardin and Kenny Hamilton to four-year terms on the county Planning Commission.

The next regular meeting of the County Commission will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 at the Monroe County Courthouse. A budget workshop will be held July 23 or July 30. Public notices of meetings are published on Page 2 in each edition of The Advocate & Democrat.

mia.rhodarmer@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101