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Klamath County commissioners discuss reinstating notices for personal property taxes after rising delinquencies
Summary
Commissioners reviewed county numbers showing higher personal property tax delinquencies and penalties and discussed low‑cost options — email reminders or a $5,000 software postcard program — and asked staff to return with options for the budget cycle.
Klamath County commissioners discussed whether to resume notifying businesses about personal property tax filing deadlines after staff presented data showing delinquencies and penalties have risen over the last three years.
Chair Dave Hensley said he requested the data and reported that Nathan provided the figures: in 2022 there were 186 noncompliant accounts resulting in $130,406.14 in penalties; 2023 had 220 noncompliant accounts; and 2024 rose to 288 delinquents with $151,505.41 in penalties. Commissioners and staff reviewed Oregon’s penalty schedule for personal property tax filings — a 5% penalty after June 1, 25% after August and up to 50% thereafter — and discussed that the county had stopped sending notices during budget reductions in 2018–19.
Staff said two practical options exist to reduce delinquencies: hire a seasonal part‑time worker to send notices or buy a vendor software add‑on estimated at $5,000 that would send postcards with a secure code allowing businesses to view and file online. Commissioners suggested lower‑cost digital reminders (email lists) could be a near‑term solution and discussed using intern or volunteer resources to help build a contact list from prior returns. Several commissioners expressed sympathy that the statutory penalty can be large but noted the penalty is set by state law, not the county.
No formal motion was made; commissioners agreed to continue the conversation, examine the $5,000 software option and consider a noticed agenda item during the next admin meeting to allow further vetting and community notice.
