Perryville council votes 3-1 to let county sheriff collect city property taxes

The Perryville City Council voted 3-1 on March 5 to authorize the county sheriff to collect city property taxes, a move the mayor said will offer more full-time hours for tax payments than the city can provide.

Mayor Kernodle explained that the county collection will be inclusive of city taxes but itemized and payable simultaneously to the sheriff’s office. He said the sheriff will forward the amount collected to the city each month, less the sheriff’s 3 percent commission. Counselor Jordan Shewmaker outlined the city’s delinquent-tax procedures: the clerk and counselor file liens that remain with the property and legal action cannot begin until after one year, after which delinquent taxes may be sold at tax sale and purchasers may pursue foreclosure.

Councilperson Simpson moved to enter into the collection agreement; Councilperson Edwards seconded. The motion passed with Councilpersons Edwards, Reed and Simpson voting yes and Councilperson Caldwell voting no.

The council initially resumed the county-collection item after bringing it off the table. During discussion, Councilperson Caldwell asked whether the county tax would be inclusive; the mayor reiterated the itemization and payment procedure. Council members noted the administrative difference that the county provides full-time collection hours while the city’s staff are part-time.

The council did not specify the effective date of the sheriff collection agreement in the meeting record and did not provide additional implementation deadlines during discussion. The council also did not record any conditions or amendments to the agreement during the March 5 meeting.

The measure followed routine business and several departmental reports; the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.