Because the county needs to provide transparency and keep money in escrow, there are 34 county bank accounts and 20 road commission bank accounts. Money that is not required immediately can be invested in very safe investments. The county received $4 million in investment returns last year, about a 3.8% return.

 

The county reimburses the local governing units for any taxes not paid and then attempts to collect those taxes. There may also be times when too much tax was charged, and the county treasurer will return money to the taxpayer. The treasurer makes every attempt to work out a payment plan with property owners who cannot pay all of their taxes. They may extend payment to as long as 5 years and waive any interest. The municipalities must authorize the county to make payment arrangements.

 

Foreclosed properties that do not sell at a tax auction are placed into the Ottawa County Land Bank. These properties often have problems, such as contamination. The county works to remediate these properties and eventually sell them. The board of the Land Bank is made up of government officials, non-profit representatives, and citizens.

 

The original purpose of requiring dog licenses was to compensate farmers for the loss of livestock bitten by rabid dogs. The current concern is more about people being bitten by rabid dogs!