REFUNDS Residents overpaid 2004 taxes

Refund checks will be made out to anyone getting back at least $1.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- It's not often that tax dollars get sent back, but that's just what Lawrence County officials are planning to do.
Treasurer Gary Felasco informed commissioners that about 500 people overpaid their 2004 taxes.
Commissioners said they plan to vote Tuesday to refund that money. They say it must be a minimum of $1 to get a refund check.
Overpayments were made because county officials extended the time frame residents were allowed to pay their 2004 county taxes at a discounted rate. Normally the discounted rate can be paid only until May 1, but commissioners extended it to June 1 this year.
Necessary extension The extension was needed because county commissioners reopened the county budget in January when the newly elected panel came on board and tax bills went out later than usual.
The change was not noted on tax statements and some taxpayers sent in the full amount of the taxes during the extended discount period, commissioners said.
Felasco said he is unsure how much money will be refunded. He said they will have the figure when all are processed and refund checks are cut.
In other business, commissioners are expected Tuesday to open bids for roof and exterior painting w ork at the courthouse. The bids will be opened at the 10 a.m. meeting.