Ravenna – With winter property tax collection season fast approaching, Portage County Treasurer Brad Cromes provided an update today to his office’s pandemic operations plan.
As has been the case since the COVID-19 outbreak began, the Treasurer’s Office will not accept in-person tax payments this winter. “While we are excited about recent progress toward vaccine distribution, health experts continue to tell us that social distancing is one of the best tools we have to combat the spread of the virus,” Cromes said. “I want to get back to ‘normal’ as much as anyone, but given our limited space we cannot ensure safe distancing for taxpayers if our counters are open. After consulting with local leaders and other county treasurers from around the state, I made the difficult decision to leave most restrictions in place for our next tax collection.”
The Treasurer’s Office is encouraging taxpayers to pay by mail, to use the payment drop boxes located at the County Administration Building in Ravenna, and to take advantage of electronic payment options. Taxpayers who want proof of payment should provide a self-addressed stamped envelope along with their mail-in payment (or print a copy for their records from the County’s electronic payment portal).
Delinquent tax payment plans remain available by appointment only, and taxpayers appearing at the office for that purpose will be required to wear a mask or covering over their nose and mouth for service. To set up a payment plan, taxpayers should call 330-297-2243 and make an appointment.
Additional changes implemented to combat COVID-19, including a temporary stay on foreclosure actions against occupied structures and more forgiving tax penalty remissions, also remain in place.
“It’s my office’s responsibility to serve the public as safely and efficiently as possible,” Cromes said. “While these policy decisions are not easy, I believe they will allow us to continue to do that, and hopefully set us up for a return to normal operations soon.”
Real estate property tax bills should start hitting mailboxes in mid-January and are due for payment by mid- to late-February. Mobile home bills will be mailed shortly thereafter and are due by March 1st.
For additional information about operational changes, and for updates as they happen, residents should follow the Treasurer’s Facebook Page, https://facebook.com/PortageTreasurer, and website, https://co.portage.oh.us/treasurer-brad-cromes-cgfm, or call the office at 330-297-3586.
