Resident asks Newton County to waive tax penalties after mailed check went to wrong address

During a public hearing, a Newton County property owner identified in the record as Mr. Parks told the Commissioners Court he purchased property near the Louisville area and attempted to pay taxes on time but learned this year that a mailed check had been returned to his parents' address and did not clear the bank.

Parks said he had written checks and used online payments where available, and that some tax bills were still in the previous owner's name when he purchased the property late in the year. He said he recently recovered a returned check stub from his parents and brought documentation of his attempts to pay. "All I'm asking for is for tax penalties and things like that" that accrued because his check was not cashed, Parks said.

Parks told the court the penalties and fees had been about $600 when he first looked, but that the total has likely grown. He said his father has Alzheimer’s and that earlier correspondence was sent to his parents' address rather than to him at his own address. The transcript does not record a court decision to waive or reduce penalties; the public hearing concluded after Parks presented his documentation and answered commissioners' questions.

Court clerks and staff will have the taxpayer's supporting documentation in the record; the transcript records Parks asking the court to consider waiving penalties and interest because his check was returned and he had attempted to pay. No formal motion or vote on a waiver appears in the meeting transcript.