Posted: Nov. 3, 2009

Germantown — Instead of using a collection agency, the village has contracted with Waukesha County to pursue delinquent personal property taxes.

The village had been paying 33 percent of the amount collected to a collection agency. Waukesha County charges 28 percent.

With interest, the total 2008 delinquent personal property taxes is $87,156. According to the county's Web site, its collections division has recovered more than 44 percent of the dollars of accounts referred by local municipalities, which totaled 12.

If the county is successful in collecting 44 percent of the village's delinquent personal property taxes, or $38,349, the village would net $27,611. The county would receive $10,738.

Some to be pursued internally

However, village officials do not plan to submit the entire list to the county. Village Administrator David Schornack told the Village Board on Monday staff would make the determination of which accounts to forward and which to pursue internally.

Seventy-one businesses owe the village 2008 personal property taxes. The lowest amount due is 84 cents, by the Wisconsin Academy of Music; the highest amount due is $22,278.03, by Liftco.

Chris Ballman, with the academy, said the business's furniture was donated and he claimed a sign for about $50.

"I guess I just forgot about it," he said of the 84 cents, but plans to pay it immediately.

A man answering the phone listed for Liftco said the business has been closed since January.

Schornack said some businesses have been in the practice of paying their personal property taxes after Jan. 1 of the following year.

Why not Washington County?

Trustee Dean Wolter gave the county kudos for coming up with a revenue-generating idea in the tough economy. He asked trustee Mel Ewert, who is a County Board supervisor, why Washington County isn't pursuing those dollars.

"I don't see it as a big profit-maker," Ewert said.