El Paso County Treasurer Chuck Berman unveils new property tax budget billing program

A new property tax payment program aimed at easing financial burdens for Fountain City residents was unveiled during the City Council meeting on August 12, 2025. El Paso County Treasurer Chuck Berman presented the initiative, which allows property owners to split their tax payments into manageable monthly installments, rather than facing one or two large payments each year.

Berman highlighted that many residents struggle with budgeting for these significant payments, especially those who own their homes outright. The new program is designed to alleviate this stress by enabling taxpayers to prepay their property taxes through a secure online portal. This system functions similarly to level billing used by utility companies, providing a predictable monthly payment based on past tax amounts.

The program also includes features such as automatic notifications for payment confirmations and the ability to opt out at any time with a full refund within 24 hours. Berman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating it offers peace of mind to homeowners who often worry about managing large bills.

In addition to the new payment option, Berman reminded residents of existing tax relief programs, including exemptions for seniors and disabled veterans, as well as a property tax deferral program for those facing financial difficulties.

The council meeting concluded with a call for residents to visit the El Paso County Treasurer's website for more information and to enroll in the new program, which aims to make property tax payments more accessible and less daunting for the community.