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Otsego County treasurer outlines optional county tax-collection service for Milford
Summary
Otsego County Treasurer Allen Ruffles told the Milford Town Board the county can offer tax-collection services that would likely cost the town slightly less in fees and provide immediate receipt of funds, though the town could earn less interest than with its current arrangements.
Allen Ruffles, Otsego County Treasurer, addressed the Milford Town Board during open floor and described a county-run tax collection service available to towns. Ruffles said the county’s tax collection software can be used by the town and that the county can collect taxes on the town’s behalf for a fee that "would probably be slightly less than our current cost." He emphasized the trade-offs: immediate remittance of collected dollars to the town, but the town might earn less interest if those funds are in a non-interest-bearing account handled by the county.
The county service is optional, Ruffles said, and the town could join later if it loses its tax collector. The board did not take action at the meeting but had the information for future consideration. The minutes record the presentation and discussion but no formal motion or directive to pursue enrollment.
Why it matters: Changing tax collection arrangements can affect town cash flow, interest income, and administrative burden. The board may revisit the option if conditions change, such as a vacancy in the Tax Collector role.
