Newly hired Vance County Tax Administrator Porcha Brooks requested two changes in tax collection in her first appearance before the Vance County Board of Commissioners on Monday evening.
Brooks first asked members to allow her office to foreclose on property that is two years in arrears for taxes.
Before her request was made, the county waited until properties were three years in arrears before starting foreclosure actions.
Brooks indicated that the tax office will catch up on foreclosing on properties that are more than two years behind before starting the foreclosure process on those that are two years behind.
Member Dan Brummitt called the recommendation “a change we’ve been working towards”.
The first recommendation passed without opposition.
Brooks’ second request was to use professional consultants to audit Vance businesses to make sure that businesses are listing their assets property. Brooks noted that the consultants are paid on contingency, keeping 30% of new tax money that they uncover.
Brooks said that the consultants would also help to identify businesses that are not currently on county books. Chair Danny Wright noted that that would expand the tax base.
Brooks added that for such unknown businesses, taxes can be assessed back five years.
The new top tax collector also noted that the consultants were an effective tool in Durham, her former place of employment.
A motion to authorize Brooks to retain the consultants was passed unanimously.
Before the end of her presentation, Brooks informed members that he office is currently in the process of implementing bank account attachments to enhance tax collection.