COLUMBIANA CO. Drop-off box for taxes still in works

Officials are pondering whether other departments could use the idea.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County Treasurer Linda Bolon hasn't abandoned her proposal to make paying property taxes easier.
Bolon said last year that she would like to install a drop-off box at the county courthouse that would allow taxpayers to drive or walk up to deposit tax payments 24 hours a day.
The proposal hasn't come to fruition yet, but Bolon said Tuesday it remains a possibility that could become a reality next year.
Bolon explained that county commissioners have asked her to wait on inserting the item in her 2004 budget while they study whether other county offices could use the box for deposits from the public.
Cost of a drop-off box would be about $1,000. There would be an additional expense to install it. Bolon said she's unsure what that would be.
The most likely spot for a drop-off box would be in an alley adjacent to the courthouse's west side, off Lincoln Way, Bolon said.
Although taxes may be mailed, many taxpayers like delivering them directly to the courthouse to ensure they get there.
Property tax bills are mailed twice a year, often bringing dozens of people into the courthouse to pay.
Security system
The public may be less willing to visit after a new courthouse security system is installed in coming months, Bolon said.
Plans call for putting an X-ray machine and metal detector at a manned guard station just inside the courthouse's main entrance.
Everyone coming into the building, including those just wanting to drop off a tax payment, will be processed through the security station.
Some people may find that off-putting, Bolon said.
Devising a new way for people to pay taxes isn't the only change in the works by the treasurer's office.
Beginning in January, property tax payers will see a new tax bill that will provide more information about how property tax revenue is spent.
Later in 2004, the treasurer's office expects to begin taking credit-card payments for tax bills. The debt must now be paid by cash or check.