TAX PAYMENTS FUND VARIETY OF SERVICES

Clatsop County Property tax bills have arrived in the mail. Where does your tax dollar go?

Clatsop County collects taxes for all local taxing entities – 66 in all. But only about 12 cents out of every dollar goes to county government – the rest pays for schools, city services, water and sewer districts, rural fire districts and other public entities.

Here’s the break-down of the average tax dollar:

· Schools (including community college) – 48.41 cents

· Cities (including urban renewal) – 19.41 cents

· Other (water, sewer, recreation, transportation) – 17.17 cents

· County – 12.11 cents

· Rural fire districts – 2.90 cents

To see an illustrated break-down, as well as information on paying your property tax bill, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Tax payments for 2011 are due on or before Tuesday, Nov. 15. For your convenience, taxes can be paid at any one of the following ways:

· By mail in the envelope included with your tax statement.

· Clatsop County Assessment and Taxation Office, 820 Exchange St., Suite 210, Astoria. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Local branches of Bank of Astoria, Clatsop Community Bank or Wauna Federal Credit Union.

· Online – go to “Property Records/Taxes” at www.co.clatsop.or.us for more information.

If you disagree with the value of your property as printed on your tax bill or a penalty assessed for late filing, you can file an appeal with the Clatsop County Board of Property Tax Appeals. Forms are available from the Clerk and Elections Division, 820 Exchange St. in Astoria and the Clatsop County website www.co.clatsop.or.us. Petitions must be filed by Jan. 3, 2012.