Tax man awaiting response

Thousands of Lake County taxpayers recently received post cards, but not from an exotic locale.

Lake County Treasurer Robert Skidmore unleashed them to prod delinquent taxpayers. State law requires those who don't pay their property taxes to be notified by certified mail, but Skidmore decided to try this route first to save money on postage.

The hope is the postcards will jog delinquent payers to fork over their balances. If not, they'll get a certified letter as well.

"This is the first time we've really done this," he said. "Altogether, we've had about 15,000 that haven't paid. I would say that's more than normal."

How delinquent bills this year will compare with other years won't be known until Nov. 10, when the orders for publication of tax sales are made.

Delinquent tax bills are put up for sale every year. Homeowners have at least 2 1/2 years to redeem the bill, plus interest and penalties. If they are not redeemed, the property reverts to the tax buyer.

The notices will be published Nov. 18 and 19.

Property taxes are paid in two installments but only one bill is sent. Some homeowners simply may have forgotten, although there are other factors to be considered this year, such as job losses.

"I don't expect that big rush coming this year," Skidmore said of late payers. "I've noticed people have been late with their taxes who never have before."

The bills for 400 taxpayers who expected Taylor, Bean and Whitaker to pay them through escrow have been settled. Bank of America, which took over the bankrupt company, made good on the bills, Skidmore said.

However, Lake County still is owed about $1 million from the state for 296 unpaid tax bills that are part of a senior deferral program.

In that program, the state pays property tax bills for enrolled seniors 65 and over who make under $50,000 a year. The state is reimbursed upon the death of the owner or sale of the property.

"It's kind of a tough situation for these people," Skidmore said. "I'm not going to sell these properties, that's for sure."

Skidmore's office will accept partial payments until Dec. 4, but the bills still will go to sale if not paid in full.