This last year has certainly been a trying one for all of us, and I hope all of you are healthy and well.

Property taxes are due by February 28 each year without penalty. This year with the 28th falling on Sunday, we will accept postmark. We always have customers ask if they can make payments, and the answer to that is yes. No certain amount is required when making payments, but keep in mind that after February 28, 2021, 2020 property taxes incur interest at 1.5 percent per month beginning March 1.

We do have the drop box located at the north end of the Courthouse. This can be used to drop off payments, please do not leave cash. We can mail you a receipt if a self-addressed stamped envelope is included. We can take payments over the phone, in person at the office located at 110 N. Park Room 101, online at http://www.tenneseetrustee.org, or by mail at the afore mentioned address. We also offer curbside service if do not wish to come in, just call the office at 931-796-2226 once you arrive, and we can come out to assist you. We have made every effort to make our service safe and convenient for you.

One question we get asked a lot is when someone sells their property, they want to know who is responsible for paying the property taxes? That is most often addressed at the time of closing, and stipulated in closing documents. We do not see those documents and have no way of knowing what was agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. All we can do is refer you to your closing agent or read over your closing documents.

As of this writing, collections are at 55 percent for 2020 taxes. We still have $82,970.19 in unpaid taxes for 2019.

The county general fund balance is $1,850,335.73 as of January 27, 2021.

Please don't forget if you are on the tax relief program that we need proof of your 2019 income. You will need to come in and sign your application. The discount this year is $137.00. There is no discount on the solid waste this year. It is my hope that our county legislative body can revisit this issue as it was of great help to our veterans and our elderly low-income homeowners.

The Division of Local Government Audit was released on January 7, 2021 for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The Lewis County Trustee's Office had no audit findings.

As always, if we can be of any assistance to you in any way, feel free to reach out to us. Our office hours are M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We can be reached at 931-796-2226.