One month into the property tax collection season for 2010, and only about 10 percent of the more than $11.2 million billed out has been collected.

Diane Thompkins of the county revenue office said $11,272,396 was billed out at the beginning of October.

To date, $1,367,310 has been collected, she said.

“The first two weeks after we sent out notices, payments came in well,” she said. “Since then, things have slowed down to a crawl.”

Thompkins said the county should see a large boost in the amount collected this month.

“About mid-November is when mortgage companies pay for those properties who elected to wrap their property tax into their mortgage,” she said. “We haven’t seen but one or two companies send in money as of yet. When that money comes in, you can really tell a difference in the total.”

Residents who receive a tax bill have until Dec. 31 to pay their ad valorem tax. Those who miss that deadline are subject to a penalty fee. Taxpayers have two options in which to pay – in person, at the courthouse or they the payment through the mail.

The revenue commissioner’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Property owners who pay through the mail should send their bills and payment to “Revenue Commissioner, 1 North Court Square, Suite G, Andalusia, AL 36420.”

Residents are reminded to bring their bills to the courthouse, in order to expedite the payment process.

Property taxes are distributed to the school systems, the county’s general fund and road/bridge fund, among other areas.