The clock is ticking toward the New Year and toward the deadline to pay 2009 property taxes.

Thursday, Dec. 31 is the last day for Pike Countians to pay their property taxes without a penalty being imposed.

Curtis Blair, Pike County Revenue Commissioner, said his office will be open today and Thursday until 5 p.m. and those who have not paid their property taxes are encouraged to do so to avoid a penalty.

“We’ll start collecting the penalty on Monday, Jan. 4,” Blair said. “The penalty is $5 plus one percent a month. But we’re running about normal in collections. We’re on track as to about where we were last year. I can’t tell that the downturn in the economy is having much of an effect on how people pay their property taxes. Things are about normal.”

Blair said a good many residents have opted to pay their taxes through the mail and on line.

“This is the first year that we’ve offered the opportunity to pay on line and that’s worked out pretty good,” he said.

Those who wish to pay on line may do so at www.pikerevenue.com.

“Just go to our website and follow the instructions,” Blair said. “We’re not pushing the on line payment. It’s just another option for our property owners to pay their taxes.

“But, on these final two days, you don’t have to come to the courthouse to pay your taxes. There’s still time to mail the payment. As long as the payment is post marked Dec. 31, we’ll accept it without a penalty being imposed.”

Blair said there will be lines at the courthouse from time to time today and Thursday but he doesn’t expect long lines.

Those who choose to make payment at the Pike County Courthouse may avoid the lines by taking advantage of a drop box provided by the Office of the Revenue Commissioner.

“If you have your notice and a check for the correct amount, all you need to do is drop it in the box that we’ve provided and you won’t have to stand in line,” Blair said. “We’ll work up the payment from there.”

Blair expressed appreciation to those who have already paid their property taxes and to those who will make the necessary efforts to pay under the Dec. 31 deadline.