MILLER COUNTY, Ark. - On property tax statements to be mailed in early March, Miller County taxpayers will see six options for making a voluntary contribution, each earmarked for a specific use.
County Tax Collector Laura Bates wants to avoid any confusion about the voluntary taxes and where the money goes, as well as to increase contributions. A "very low" percentage of residents, about one in 10, participates each year, she said Thursday.
Residents may choose which, if any, of the voluntary taxes to pay and add the extra payment amount to their tax total. Though each option suggests an amount to contribute, higher or lower amounts will be accepted.
Bates stressed that contributing is completely optional.
The six voluntary taxes, what they fund and their suggested payment amounts follow:
- Miller County Conservation District, soil conservation and youth programs, 0.5% of property tax total
- Miller County Conservation District, renovation of John Measel Center, $20
- Miller County Correctional Center, maintenance and operations, $10
- Miller County, improvements to camping facilities at Alex Smith Park, $20
- Miller County, abandoned animal services, $20
- City of Texarkana, Animal Care and Adoption Center, $10
Anyone who does not pay property taxes but would like to make a contribution can do so at Bates' office on the first floor of the Miller County Courthouse.
Property tax statements will be mailed March 2, Bates said.
More information, including the ordinances authorizing the voluntary taxes, is available at the tax collector's website, millercollector.com.