New Castle County today highlighted a series of recent programs to improve revenue collection. The initiatives are part of the county's goal of restoring fiscal responsibility and addressing a structural General Fund deficit projected to surpass $20 million.
 
“I am proud of the work our Finance Department staff has done to enhance our collection efforts over the past year,” said Chief Financial Officer Brian Maxwell.
 
The Meyer administration will step up fee collection, including asking owners to pay the expenses related to their abandoned and vacant properties. The administration has registered 1,600 vacant properties and generated $50,000 in additional fees.
The County Finance Department also announced Open Checkbook, a public website allowing users to search the full history of county expenditures.
 
Last fall, the Finance Department launched a program to collect short-term delinquent property taxes, including payments one to 45 days past due. The effort increased property tax payments by $1.5 million.
 
“Everyone in our community must pay their fair share,” said County Executive Matt Meyer.  “If you do not pay, we provide you this one last notice that you can no longer avoid your obligations. We will hold you accountable.”