Tax administrator reports $7.53 million levy; collections and delinquencies outlined

Tax Administrator Sherri M. Wilkins presented the Tax Collector's annual settlement report to the Washington County Board of Commissioners on July 6, 2021, and the board issued the formal Order for Collection for fiscal year 2021'2022.

Wilkins reported the total tax levy for fiscal year 2020'2021 was $7,529,322.21, adjusted by releases of $23,898.56 and discounts of $62,661.92. She told the board that collections handled through the North Carolina vehicle tax system (NCVTS) totaled $956,119.87 and noted that the Tax Office does not collect registered motor vehicle taxes but manages adjustments, situs issues and refunds.

The amount of real and personal property not collected was $342,143.22; total collections and credits toward the levy were $7,124,517.07. Collections for prior years totaled $386,403.43; Debt Setoff produced $12,280.11 and wage garnishments and attachments totaled $33,248.80. Wilkins said the Tax Office billed and collected for several local levies and fees, including the 1972 Ref Watershed Tax, the Town of Creswell ad valorem tax, the Solid Waste User Fee, Albemarle and Pungo River Drainage Districts and Drainage District 5. She noted the office works with Zacchaeus Legal Services on foreclosure proceedings and that a list of delinquent taxpayers is available in the Tax Office for inspection.

Wilkins commended Tax Office staff and thanked related county offices (Permits, GIS, Register of Deeds and Clerk of Courts) for cooperation. The board recorded the Order for Collection, signed by Chair William R. "Bill" Sexton and Clerk Julie J. Bennett, as part of the record.