Thank you to all the property owners who have paid their taxes so far.  We have collected 25 percent more money earlier in this year than we did last year. This helps the organizations (taxing authorities) that survive on property tax dollars. To remind you, because of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, the voters of La Plata County have to approve property tax dollars to fund such things as our schools, fire districts, water and sanitation districts - even our cemeteries.

The "full payment" deadline is May 2.  For those of you who paid your first half payment by the end February, your next deadline is June 15.  We implemented paying by debit card this year, and reduced our credit card fees from 2.5 percent to 2.19 percent. (None of these fees go to the county - they go to the credit card provider - that's how they make their profit!)  Plastic card payments are up 300 percent so far this year over last year. This is good, as paper checks are costly, and they have to go through the mail - very inefficient.

There is an option that costs you, the tax payer no extra fees, not even a stamp. Paying by e-check costs you nothing, nor does it cost the county any extra money! To do this, go online to the La Plata County website at http://co.laplata.co.us and provide your checking account routing number and checking account number.  Based on feedback from those of you who have used this option, we have made a number of improvements.  So please keep telling us how we can do better!

Here are two additional things you can do to help reduce unnecessary costs and wasted time. If you have a mortgage and an escrow account, chances are your mortgage company pays your property taxes. If this is the case, do not send us a payment. We will just have to send your check back to you.  Also, the credit card and debit card provider adds their name (Gila LLC) to your transaction. When you get your bank statement, you will see this unusual name. Please do not stop payment on this. If you do, you will be charged a fee for doing so.

Thank you from the La Plata County Treasurer's Office, and our taxing authorities, for your support in making our community healthy.

Allison Aichele Morrissey

La Plata County Treasurer