Every once in awhile, I take a look at something in the County budget that I never much paid attention to. A couple of weeks ago I noticed the revenue produced from the interest on the late payment of taxes. I almost didn't believe it when I looked at the 2006 budget and saw that there was $464,934 in interest charges on late payments of taxes. I asked Dan Welch about it who confirmed that all that revenue was from late payments and said that the number increased to $531,000 last year. All this money goes to the County's General Corp fund, a substantial revenue source.
Anyway, if you want to help put the pinch on County finances, pay your first installment by June 2. My recommendation is to have it automatically withdrawn from your bank account. And put a reminder somewhere about the September payment. I think that's often the forgotten one.
Mark, I would be curious to know how much of that was commercial or industrial. Sometimes, the late payment might be cost effective.
As far as homeowners, I have to assume the forgetful are few, and those that are unable to come up with payment on time are greater.
I think your logic is backwards. If you want to help the county, you should withhold your tax payment and pay late with added interest.