Property tax payments made easier

They can pay the total amount all at once.

They can make partial payments periodically before the Feb. 28 deadline.

Or, they can have money withdrawn monthly from their bank accounts.

County Trustee Judy Patton said the last two possibilities allow people to create payment plans that fit into their personal budgets.

"I think it's a great service for the taxpayers," she said. "It's just another option."

Anyone interested in the monthly payment plan needs to fill out a form in the trustee's office. The monthly withdrawal option can begin at any time.

For those who prefer to pay off their taxes in February, now's the opportune time to sign up, Patton said. Monthly withdrawals will begin in March.

The county mails property tax notices in October. All taxes must be paid by the end of February to avoid any penalties or interest.

This year, however, everyone will have an extra day to pay property taxes. Since Feb. 28 is a Sunday, people may pay their current property taxes on March 1 without incurring penalties or interest, Patton said.