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Finance officer: DMV billed vehicle tax renewals before Scotland County’s rate change; county to seek fixes and refunds
Summary
John Jorgensen, Scotland County finance officer, told commissioners that the DMV prepares motor‑vehicle tax bills 90–120 days in advance, producing bills at the prior rate; commissioners asked staff to work with Richmond County and the state auditor to identify remedies and refund options.
John Jorgensen, finance officer for Scotland County, told the Board of Commissioners that Department of Motor Vehicles billing cycles produced vehicle‑renewal bills at the prior tax rate even though the county set a new rate July 1.
"The DMV bills 90 to 120 days in advance," Jorgensen said, explaining that bills for July through September had already been prepared and mailed before the county set the new rate. He said that, according to what the county has been told, there can be a three‑month lag before a rate increase shows up on DMV‑generated bills.
Why it matters: several commissioners reported receiving higher vehicle tax bills and worried residents could be assessed at the older, higher rate. Commissioners directed staff and the finance office to reach out to peers in Richmond County (specifically Carrie Garner) to learn how they handled a similar situation and to consult the state auditor for help understanding remedies.
Next steps and remedies discussed: commissioners and staff said options could include asking the DMV for a process to correct bills or pursuing refunds; one commissioner noted that the state Department of Revenue staff advised taxpayers they could request a refund. The board asked John and the tax administrator to gather facts and return with recommended steps.
Quotes: "I'm John Jorgensen, finance officer for Scotland County," Jorgensen said when introduced to the chamber. He later summarized the billing practice: "Since they bill 90 to 120 days in advance...even though the rate was set July 1, the bills had already been prepared and gone out for July, August, and September." Another commissioner said people could ask for refunds after paying, recounting that Department of Revenue staff told them a refund request is an option.
Procedural note: the commissioners agreed to await staff follow‑up and additional information at upcoming meetings; no formal vote was taken on the DMV matter during the session.
