County tax office still having to deal with some personal contact despite lockdown

March and April have presented the Tax Assessor and Collector’s Office with many challenges.

The staff provides a variety of services in a relatively small space and at this time of year usually experience a high volume for vehicle tag renewals. This affords many opportunities to spread a virus, which is partly why the office doors are kept locked.

“We want to thank all of the taxpayers that have followed new procedures that helped keep Union County residents safe and healthy from the Coronavirus,” Tax Assessor-Collector Tameri Dunnam said. “Mailing in tag renewals and property taxes or conducting those type transactions over the phone has greatly reduced the number of people in this small office area.”

She said for the past seven weeks the collection side of this office registered, renewed, or replaced more than 3,100 vehicle tag decals. More than 750 of those had to enter the office regarding paperwork. That still averages to more than 20 person-to-person contacts a day.

“We can’t imagine the number of opportunities COVID19 or any other germs could have spread if the office used the same procedures as in the past,” she said.

Several called worried their receipt or tag decal would be lost in the mail and were adamant they did not want to take that risk, according to Dunnam. “During this seven-week period only five have called with problems,” she said. “Three of those had not updated their address and two were going to give it a few more days.”

The Union County Board of Supervisors have not made any changes to the Courthouse concerning accessibility. The doors remain locked with people only admitted for transactions that require in-person contact.

“We will continue to serve the residents of Union County by offering to unlock the doors for those with new vehicle or mobile home registrations,” Dunnam said. “Please call 534-1972 to make payments or ask any questions regarding your tag renewal or property taxes.”