Treasurer reports near‑perfect tax collection, committee debates mailed receipts and timing

City Treasurer Spencer Coggs briefed the Finance and Personnel Committee on the treasurer’s proposed 2026 budget and tax‑collection operations, reporting a continued strong collection rate and warning of lower investment revenue as pandemic‑era ARPA balances decline.

Coggs said the city’s property tax collection rate remains “between 98 and 99 percent,” and described operational steps to reduce in‑person demand at the counter: multiple payment drop boxes at police districts and city‑hall entrances, online and phone payment options through Tyler, and outreach encouraging electronic payment.

Why it matters: the treasurer’s office is the city’s principal tax collector and acts as steward for receipts that fund city services. Committee members focused on an operational choice with equity implications — whether the city will proactively mail a paper payment receipt to every taxpayer who pays remotely or instead provide mailed receipts only upon request.

Budget highlights and investment outlook: the treasurer’s recommended operating budget is roughly $4.8 million, a modest decrease from 2025 driven by lower temporary‑staff costs and a two‑year computer replacement cycle. Coggs’ deputy reported net general‑fund investment earnings realized at about $10.8 million for 2024; as of July 31, the office had realized roughly $5.2 million year‑to‑date. The treasurer said forecasts assume Federal Reserve rate cuts later in the year, which would reduce long‑term investment income.

Receipts debate: committee members recalled that in the prior levy year the treasurer used carryover funds to mail paper receipts broadly. For 2026 the treasurer said the mayor’s requested budget does not include money to proactively mail receipts to all payers; instead the office will provide a mailed receipt to any taxpayer who asks, continuing to promote online and phone options and the eNotify system for alerts. Coggs said the office will continue outreach to minimize in‑person visits while recognizing some taxpayers—particularly older residents or those without reliable internet access—still prefer mailed documentation. He told aldermen the office will honor mailed receipt requests until any allocated money runs out, after which a supplemental appropriation would be needed.

Timing for tax bills: the treasurer explained why tax bills go out in early December: the city cannot finalize bills until the assessor finishes the final property tax file after the council’s budget and any mayoral vetoes are resolved. The treasurer said the office starts system testing in advance but the final print and mail run requires the assessor’s final file and a statutory mail window.

Next steps: Aldermen asked the treasurer and the budget office to provide a short data package showing recent years’ mail‑receipt costs, carryovers and SPA balances so the committee can evaluate whether a mid‑year adjustment is needed. Members also asked the treasurer to explore low‑cost notifications (text/email) and opt‑in options through the city’s eNotify service for future years.

Ending: Coggs said his office would continue to find efficiencies and work with council members to balance convenience and cost; he asked aldermen to weigh whether they prefer an opt‑in approach or a renewed proactive mailing funded in the 2026 budget.