An estimated $2.4 million remains unpaid in property tax collections, County Revenue Commissioner Janice Hart said Tuesday.

In October, more than $11.3 million in property taxes was billed to county residents. By Tues., Jan. 5, more than $8.9 million or 79 percent — had been collected.

Monday marked the first day back at work for county employees after the New Year’s holiday, and they were greeted with a “very heavy” mail collection, Hart said.

Taxpayers that missed the Dec. 31, 2009, deadline are now subject to a $5 late fee and 1 percent penalty.

“Tuesday’s mail wasn’t heavy at all and people are still trickling in,” Hart said. “We still have a number of payments to post before we can give an absolute total, but in my opinion, our overall total is about average with what we see every year.”

Taxpayers still have the option to mail in payments, but Hart said to factor in the late fee. Property owners can call 334-428-2540 to learn the accurate amount due before sending payments by mail.

Checks or money orders should be made payable to “Revenue Commissioner” and mailed to Revenue Commissioner, 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420.

If taxes remain unpaid in April, the property is placed on the delinquent taxes list. If taxes are still unpaid, the property will be put up for sale at a delinquent tax sale in May.