Commissioners clarify real estate taxing policy
The Fayette County commissioners Thursday approved a resolution that clarifies the county’s real estate taxing policy and explains when penalties and discounts are applied to county property taxes. The action outlines when property owners can receive a discount, when they can pay the face amount and when a penalty is imposed. The resolution was approved unanimously with Commission Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink and Commissioners Joseph A. Hardy III and Vincent A. Vicites voting in favor of it.
In reading the resolution, Zimmerlink explained that the policy has been in effect for more than 30 years, but is being republished for clarification purposes. The amount of tax property owners must pay – calculated by multiplying the millage by the assessed valuation for each year – is the face amount of the tax, according to the resolution.
If the tax is paid no later than 60 days after issuance of the tax notice, a 2 percent discount is granted, in the “discount period.” If the tax is paid no later than 60 days after the discount period ends, then the face value should be paid, in the “face period.” Finally, if the tax is paid after the last day of the face period, then a 10 percent penalty will be imposed and added to the face amount, during the “penalty period.”
During Tuesday’s agenda meeting, Zimmerlink explained the clarification was necessary because within the past year a number of people have questioned the county’s ability to impose late fees. She said the law initially went into effect in the late 1940s, and assistant county solicitor John S. Cupp Jr. suggested a new resolution clarifying the county’s position.
In another matter, the commissioners took action that will allow the county to use the proceeds of the sale of the former Great Meadows Amphitheater for development of the Sheepskin Trail. The action came at the end of a debate regarding how much money should be listed in the “Sheepskin Trail Plan” that must be submitted to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Zimmerlink said the county generated $190,500 from the amphitheater sale, $188,600 of which was received. She said $116,500 has not been allocated, and has been placed in a Project 70 special account, as of Sept. 28. The money can only be used for certain expenditures, such as park upgrades.
Vicites said $60,000 of the money was already used for the trail and $12,000 was used for upgrades to county parks.
Zimmerlink said DCNR is asking that the county allocate the money for one project, and the plan has to spell out where the money is being used. “I want to get it done and get it done right,” she said. “If the resolution gets messed up, I’m not going to fix it.”
Vicites said Larry Williamson of the DCNR previously told him the money that was already allocated was used properly. Zimmerlink then proposed that the motion should not include an amount.
The commissioners also voted to increase the rates of the Fredericktown Ferry as of Dec. 5. The new rates include $1.50 for cars and $2 for pickup trucks that weigh up to 11/2 tons. The current rates are 75 cents for cars and between 85 cents and $1.50 for various weights of pickup trucks. Pedestrians, bicycles and additional passengers beyond a driver and passenger will pay 50 cents, compared to the 15 cents for pedestrians and bicycles and 10 cents for additional passengers now.
During public comment, Ralph and Geraldine “Jerri” Mazza separately spoke out against the county possibly rehiring Felice and Associates as the county’s human resource agency. Jerri Mazza said Felice has a history of not cooperating with the county, specifically former Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls.
Felice was the county’s personnel consultant prior to Select HR, hired three years ago. At that time, Nehls and former Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh voted to hire Select HR, with Vicites voting against it.
The county’s contract with Select HR expires on Nov. 15 and the county will soon be hiring someone to perform that work. In addition to Felice and Select HR, one other firm, CBIZ, has submitted a proposal. The commissioners will be interviewing firms and potential human resource directors next week.
Ralph Mazza said the county should simply hire a personnel manager and a secretary, instead of a firm. Hardy then confirmed with Vicites that simply hiring an in-house manager is an option.
“The only reason for an agency is to contribute to a political war chest,” Ralph Mazza said.
Zimmerlink said to date, 15 responses have been received from individuals interested in being the county’s human resource director.