Just a reminder -- property tax is due

jbrann.ndm@gmail.com

Phil Couch, Vernon County's treasurer and ex-Officio collector, issued this reminder Tuesday.

"December 30, will be the last day on which you can pay your taxes in person at the courthouse," Couch said. "We will not be open on Saturday, Dec. 31."

At the courthouse, there are three locations at which to make payments.

There is the drop box, outside, on the northeast corner of the courthouse.

Inside the courthouse, on the north side of the main floor, is an office which accepts checks only. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On the second floor, is the treasurer/collector's office, which will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main office accepts, cash, checks, debit and credit cards.

"We are charged a fee for each debit or credit card transaction and so we have to charge a fee to cover our cost but we gladly accept them," Couch said, adding one more piece of advice.

"And if you're thinking of mailing in your payment," he said. "It's not enough to put it in your mailbox at home or the post office by the 31st, it has to be postmarked by no later than the 31st, otherwise you will be charged a late fee."

Couch, who will complete 32 years on the job next March and currently is the second longest serving treasurer/collector in the state, remarked about the those he serves.

"Every year, at the annual state training, I hear all sorts of horror stories," began Couch. "And while no one likes to pay taxes and I've had a few come in hot, all I can really talk about is how great the people of this county really are."

The county's treasurer/collector is already looking ahead to retirement.

"Whenever there's a change in the one who hold's this office the person has to get bonded," said Couch.

Since it gets rather expensive purchasing that one year at a time, Couch purchases them for four years and reaps some significant savings.

Such a bond will be in place when Couch's successor, Brent Banes, takes the reigns on April 1, 2017.

"While the commissioners and nearly every other office holder begins on Jan. 1, those working most closely with the county's finances are brought in later," said Couch.

The collector/treasurer begins April and the assessor on Sept. 1.