Local team did great job in tough time (09/04/2008)

It is always a thankless chore.

But this year, it's been worse than that.

So, while it may sound jarring to some ears, it's time to say thanks for the property tax bills.

The folks in the offices of the Jay County Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer have worked long and hard, slogging their way through the patchwork of overlapping directives, deadlines, and agendas of the state.

It hasn't been easy, but it's done.

The tax statements for 2008 have been mailed out in a combined mailing that included both the spring and the fall installments.

The first installment is due by Sept. 19. The second is due by Nov. 10.

For local units of government - including the Jay School Corporation - news that revenues will finally start flowing in could not be more welcome.

Some pretty basic services - public safety and public education among them - have been pinched by the delayed tax draws. Treasurers and business managers have had to do some pretty creative shuffling and borrowing to make sure the public has been served in the interim.

There's been more than enough ink spilled in the past few years over property taxes, and the debate isn't likely to end soon.

But for now, thanks to hard work by some under-appreciated courthouse employees, the wheels of government are continuing to turn.

And for that, we say, Thank you. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]