By Donna Westfall – March 31, 2020 Emailed Del Norte County Board of Supervisors Chair, Gerry Hemmingsen the following today: "With the current economic upheaval with people losing their jobs or having hours cut back has the BOS discussed or plan to discuss an extension on property taxes? Or waiving late fees on payment of property taxes? Please let me know asap. His response: The State has not authorized extending the deadline for payment of property taxes, but do allow penalties and late fees to be waived by request of the property owner. You can email the Treasurer/Tax Collector for more details. Then in reading the web site of the Del Norte County Treasurer/Tax Collector: MESSAGE TO TAXPAYERS REGARDING THE 2ND INSTALLMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES WHICH ARE DUE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020 Property Taxes and COVID-19 The Del Norte County Tax Collector’s Office would like to remind taxpayers that the 2nd installment of 2019/20 property taxes is still due and will become delinquent if not paid by April 10, 2020. The Tax Collector has no legal authority to extend the due date. But, for those who are directly impacted either physically or financially by the COVID-19 crisis and who are unable to pay timely a penalty waiver process after April 10, 2020 may be available to you. We want to encourage all those who have the ability to pay taxes to do so. Property tax dollars directly support essential service such as schools, emergency response and public health which are desperately needed at this time. As of March 25, 2020 the Tax Collector’s Office will be closed to the public for over the counter tax payments. You can pay your taxes by mail, online or by phone. Property taxes can be paid by check, money order or cashier’s check through the mail. You may also pay online with a credit/debit card, E-Check by visiting www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/treasurer-tax-collector or by calling our automated system at 1-866-477-2399. Please be aware, fees apply if you are making an electronic payment. If you are unable to pay using one of the above methods, please contact our office for further assistance. If you need assistance making an electronic payment or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office. The Tax Collector’s Office will continue to have staff available to answer calls, emails and to process your tax payments. Thank you for your understanding and please stay healthy and safe, Barbara M. Lopez, Del Norte County Tax Collector However, if you own your own home, are at least 62, blind or disabled and meet other criteria you may be eligible for a California Property Tax Postponement. Go to this website: www.sco.ca.gov and read all about it. Now, if property taxes are not paid by April 10, 2020, normally a 10% late penalty AND a $10.00 cost will apply. Let's see what they are willing to waive. Hopefully, more answers tomorrow.