Grayson County Sheriff Norman Chaffins has released information on how to pay one’s 2020 property tax bills.
Chaffins said property owners should receive their 2020 property tax bills within the first week of November. If anyone fails to receive a tax bill by November 9, 2020, please call the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office at 270-259-3024.
“Please note that these (tax) rates are set by the state of Kentucky and not by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office,” Chaffins said.
Please visit www.gcsheriff.net for answers to frequently asked questions regarding your tax bill and to pay online. The sheriff’s office cannot accept tax payments until November 1.
The following is a payment schedule, including information on discounts and penalties:
- November 1 through November 30 – 2 percent discount
- December 1 through December 31 – Face value
- January 1 through January 31 – 5 percent penalty
- February 1 through April 15 – 21 percent penalty
Voluntary fire and rescue dues
“Fire and rescue dues money received by respective fire districts is used to purchase essential first responder equipment and tools to better protect our citizens,” Chaffins said, “not just in the event of a fire, but motor vehicle collisions, mass casualty situations or other emergency situations involving you or a loved one.”
Anyone wishing to “opt out” of the $40 fire and rescue dues must sign “Opt Out” forms for each property in which they wish to “opt out.”
“According to the written ordinance approved by the Grayson County Fiscal Court, payments received minus the fire dues that do not have an ‘opt out’ form attached cannot be accepted,” Chaffins stated. “Additionally, and according to the ordinance, if you have an emergency where a volunteer fire department responds, and you have not paid your fire and rescue dues, you may be subject to a $500 to $1,000 fee depending on the size of the structure. That fee is not normally covered by your insurance company.”
Mail in or pay online if possible
This year, Chaffins said he is encouraging citizens to either mail in their tax payment or pay online to reduce the amount of traffic in the sheriff’s office lobby. Due to restrictions placed on government offices (mask, social distancing, reductions on in-person services, etc.) the lobby cannot handle normal capacity without having people wait outside.
“Additionally, we certainly want to reduce the number of taxpayers in our lobby to reduce the spread of the coronavirus,” Chaffins said. “Therefore, if you do wish to pay in-person, please wear a mask covering your nose and mouth upon entering the lobby.”
Anyone with questions regarding the payment of taxes is asked to contact the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During the month of November, the sheriff’s office will be open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
