Revenue Department Implements Property Tax Software Ahead of October Notices

The City of Jackson's Budget Committee meeting on July 28, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in the city's property tax collection system, which is set to go live in a "soft" launch this August. This transition aims to familiarize the revenue team with the new software ahead of the busy tax season in October, when tax notices are expected to be issued around October 1.

The meeting revealed that the city has successfully loaded its tax files into the new system, overcoming previous challenges related to data transfer from the state. The revenue department is now utilizing a more user-friendly cashier module, allowing for efficient payment processing and the ability to email receipts to taxpayers, enhancing convenience for residents.

Health and Sanitation has also completed its transition to the new system, reporting successful billing operations and providing real-time revenue information to the accounting team. This immediate access to data marks a significant improvement over the previous system, which required lengthy verification processes.

While the property tax system is on track, the implementation of the business tax system remains pending. The committee discussed the challenges of rolling out this system, noting that it has been deprioritized due to the focus on property tax. However, there is potential for a temporary workaround that could allow the city to manage business tax collections without fully integrating into the new software immediately.

Committee members expressed optimism about the improvements brought by the new system, particularly the real-time budget tracking capabilities that have been well-received by employees. This feature is expected to enhance financial management across departments, allowing staff to monitor their budgets more effectively as the fiscal year progresses.

As the city prepares for the upcoming tax season, these technological advancements are poised to streamline operations and improve service delivery to Jackson residents, reflecting the city's commitment to enhancing its financial systems for better community outcomes.