Never in her 23-year career has Tax Collector Melanie Yanus seen a situation like this: the town is short $9.5 million in collected taxes with only 2 1/2 days left to collect.
And there's not exactly a long queue forming at the door.
Taxes are due and payable on July 1. Monday, August 1 is the drop-dead date to pay without a penalty.
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Yanus believes people are angry and are holding off paying.
"They may be mad at the town and the economy - they may not have the money," she said.
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Folks who have come into her office to pay their taxes have complained about the town's budget, the state's budget, the recent $9.4 million bonding package, and the $895,000 artificial turf project.
They are upset that the tax rate increased from 22.41 mills to 24.92 mills.
"A large portion of that increase, 2.39 points, was because of a 10 percent decrease in the town's revaluation," said Yanus.
Nevertheless, folks sure aren't running to town hall to pay their bills.
As of July 26, the town was almost half-way there, or short $9.5 million of the $19,505,206 due July 1. The total yearly amount is $36.8 million.
They have collected $9.7 million. All real or personal property tax bills over $100 are payable in two installments as established by law. The second installment will be due January 1, 2012.
Yanus said the average tax bill in Clinton is about $5,200 for the year, or about $2,600 payable July 1 and January 1.
The last day to pay the July 1 tax bill without a penalty is August 1. On August 2, any outstanding tax will be assessed a 3 percent penalty. On a $2,600 bill, that's $78. After September 1 if the bill is not paid, an additional one and one-half percent is added making it a 4 1/2 percent interest.
Yanus' advice? Go to the post office and mail your taxes. Make checks payable to the Town of Clinton.
"Have them hand-stamp the date by July 31," she said.
You can drop off your taxes in the drop-off box, or come into the office at town hall to pay. But there are only three days left.
Tax Office Hours:
Wednesday, July 27, 9am to 4pm
Thursday, July 28, 9am to 7pm (open late that day)
Friday, July 29, 9am to NOON (Town Hall offices close at NOON on Friday)
The tax office is located at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street.
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