Today is the last day to pay property taxes without financial penalty at the Pike County Courthouse.

County Revenue Commissioner Curtis Blair said all those who don’t pay by the close of the day Wednesday will face a $5 late fee plus a 12 percent interest rate charge effective the first of the year.

Blair said the revenue commission office will remain open until 5 p.m. today but will close New Year’s Day. Once the office reopens Friday, late fees will be applied to bills.

Blair said all property owners pay this tax once a year, and all should have been notified of the charge by a bill sent out late September.

“It’s a tax based on the appraised value of your property,” Blair said.

These taxes are paid only once through the county, and there are not separate property taxes for people who live or own businesses in cities.

But, all proceeds collected at the revenue office are divvied up among separate entities.

Portions of the property taxes are split between the state, county, cities and the school boards.

More specifically, the county receives funds for its general, road and county-wide school funds, whereas other funds are appropriated in general to Troy City and Pike County Schools and Goshen, Banks, Troy and Brundidge.

If taxes aren’t paid within three years, property can be purchased by another landowner or become possession of the state.

For those who don’t wish to go to the courthouse to pay, property taxes can be mailed, and if postmarked Wednesday no late fees will apply.

Blair said typically residents are split evenly when it comes to how they pay their taxes.

The last few days have been hectic in the Revenue Commission Office, but Blair said it’s nothing unusual for this time of year.

“It’s like this every year,” Blair said.