Tax Collector Boasts Top Collection Rate

In a presentation Monday, Tax Collector Marie Glavan told the City Council the tax collection rate for 2008 would top out at 96.08 percent, in contrast to last year's 93.32 rate, blamed on failed tax lien sales.

"Plainfield has made history," Glavan said.

The tax collection rate has varied over the past seven years from a recent previous high of 95.82 percent in 2005 to last year's low. The better rate means the city will have to keep less money in the reserve for uncollected taxes, City Administrator Marc Dashield said.

Councilman Don Davis questioned whether the rate would remain high in light of the recent foreclosure rate, but Glavan said those who are taking over the properties are making sure taxes are paid. She said since she took office in April 2007, no liens have been struck off to the city, which means all have to keep current with taxes.

The next tax lien sale is scheduled for November, she said.

--Bernice Paglia