As of Tuesday, $16,250,845.98 of the $17,595,199.33 in property taxes owed in Escambia County, Ala., had been paid and property owners have until Feb. 28 to pay their taxes before additional penalties and fees are added.
Tax Collector Tim Pettis said collections are up compared to this time last year, but a little more than $1.3 million is still owed.
Property taxes were due by Dec. 31, 2018. Beginning Jan. 1 those not paid pay a penalty of 3 percent of the balance plus a $5 collector's fee.
Certified letters will be sent to property owners who have not paid their taxes by Feb. 28. Beginning March 1 an additional 2 percent penalty will be added, bringing the total to 5 percent interest plus $22 in fees, which includes the $7 to mail the certified letter.
Pettis said beginning April 1 the process will begin to advertise to sell properties where the taxes have not been paid. A date will be set and the property will be sold to the highest bidder in front of the courthouse.
Pettis did note that beginning March 1 no personal checks will be accepted to pay property taxes, noting they must be paid in cash or certified funds.
People having questions about their property taxes can contact the collector's office at 251-867-0302.
