THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 7, 1994 TAG: 9410060257
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
We in the Treasurer's Office would like to address a recent letter to the editor (The Clipper, Sept. 11) in which monthly payment of taxes through Chesapeake Automated Taxpayer Service (ChATS) was described as ``a desperation measure resorted to by individuals and families . . . who seem to be spending more than comes in their pay packet.''
First of all, ChATS is an optional service provided by the treasurer as an alternative method of paying taxes. It is strictly voluntary. This service was instituted by the current treasurer, Barbara Carraway, for those folks who paid off a mortgage or refinanced and want to continue paying monthly in lieu of maintaining a mortgage escrow account for real estate taxes. It also allows people who travel out of town for extended periods (retirees, military, etc.) to know that their taxes will be paid automatically.
Secondly, the ChATS service is no different than a person who opts to budget his yearly insurance premium via a monthly pre-authorized electronic bank withdrawal or pays his mortgage, utility or car payment the same way. He benefits by having reduced check costs, reduced postage costs, no more standing in lines and assurance of timely payments without late penalties.
Services like ChATS are a convenient alternative and are becoming more prevalent in the age of automation. Cost-conscious municipalities across the country are looking at ways to streamline operations. Service-oriented municipalities are looking at ways to meet the needs of its citizens. The ChATS program is one more example of our treasurer, Barbara Carraway, working to provide service to Chesapeake residents.
Keith Sheffler
Treasurer's Office
Cedar Road by CNB