2009 Property Tax Public Information

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

This public information program was developed by Lake County officials to help its citizens better understand the process of paying and collecting property taxes. Its programs were not only geared toward those with sparse knowledge on the topic, but also to those who already understood the general concepts and wanted to know more details. To meet the needs of the varying audiences, the county produced two videos—entitled “Property Tax ABCs” and “Budget Assessment and Tax Bill Process. Moreover, officials also developed a new informational assessment notice, as well as to multiple electronic newsletters. The Chief County Assessor also held face-to-face help centers throughout the country to answer questions about property owners’ individual circumstances. In addition, both the Assessor and County Treasurer hosted a live question and answer show on local television, answering questions e-mailed by county residents live on the air. This program utilized varying sources of media successfully to explain to a wide variety of audiences the process and prospects of paying the county property tax.