RAYMOND J. WOJTOWICZ - TREASURER
TERRANCE A. KEITH - CHIEF DEPUTY
ROBERT J. GRDEN - DEPUTY

Wayne County Treasurer, Raymond J. Wojtowicz, announced delinquent tax collection results today for the time period of January 1, 2006 through April 10, 2006. "I am pleased to report that we have processed 65,975 transactions valued at more than $75 million." Treasurer Wojtowicz credits an extensive outreach program, the on-line property tax system, web payments, and the dedication of his staff for the success. Wojtowicz stated, "It is the mission of this office to collect the delinquent property taxes in Wayne County for every municipality. We make every effort to notify homeowners of the aggressive delinquent tax collection process established by the Michigan Legislature with the passage of Public Act 123 of 1999. Our goal is to collect taxes, not foreclose or acquire property. Our efforts during these months go a long way toward achieving this goal."

In the month of February, payments on 22,071 parcels were received by the Wayne County Treasurer's Office, representing $24,827,300, with more than $12 million collected in the last week of the month. For the period March 1st through April 10, 2006, 31,086 payments were received totaling $36,532,185.

Of the 9,375 properties remaining with 2003 delinquent taxes outstanding, representing less than six percent of the 160,688 properties that were originally returned to the Treasurer, the collection effort continues. Approximately 2,400 of these properties are occupied.

Financial Hardship Applications are still available to taxpayers that are financially unable to make their 2003 delinquent tax payments on their primary residence. According to Treasurer Wojtowicz, "More than 1,200 Financial Hardship Applications have been received this year, which is more than four times the number received last year. Taxpayers who have not yet paid their 2003 delinquent taxes may contact my office at 313-224-5990, or the Office of Wayne County Corporation Counsel at 313-224-6105, with any questions or concerns."

Going beyond the requirements of PA 123 of 1999, the Treasurer has scheduled personal visits to each occupied residential parcel currently scheduled for tax foreclosure. The purpose of the visit is to inform the taxpayers of the amount of 2003 delinquent taxes and afford them one last opportunity to pay the taxes or seek relief under the Financial Hardship Program. To accommodate this activity, the Treasurer has extended the deadline for payment.

There is still time for property owners to avoid foreclosure. Payments on 2003 delinquent property taxes will be accepted by the Wayne County Treasurer's Office, on or before April 27, 2006. Delinquent 2003 taxes not paid prior to April 28, 2006, will result in the sale of the property at public auction in the fall.

Treasurer Wojtowicz encourages taxpayers to visit the Wayne County Treasurer's property tax website at www.treasurer.waynecounty.com for additional information, or to pay delinquent taxes on-line. Over 600,000 visitors have performed over 3,000,000 property tax searches, at no cost, since February 2004. Payments may be made via the website, U.S. mail, or in person at the address below. Payments should be made payable to "Wayne County Treasurer."

Wayne County Treasurer's Office
400 Monroe, 5th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
(Located in the International Center Building in Greektown)

For more information, visit the website or call the taxpayer hotline at (313) 224-5990.