Page 5 - PGA Community News - September '20

September 2020 September 2020 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 5

Tax Talk

Dear Friends, • Improvements to the appointment process including “Most tax collector offices, including my own, were
It’s been a very busy new email reminders forced to close their doors to the public to reduce the spread
summer as we continue Listen to the full podcast at: https://www.pbctax.com/ of illness,” said Gannon. “I am proud of the work we did to
to serve more clients by interviews-with-anne/. help safely reopen tax collector offices throughout Florida.
appointment in our offices. I Many of us transformed from a walk-in business model to
am receiving mostly positive Anne Shares Important one that requires appointments for in-person service.”
feedback from clients who As FTCA president, Gannon also provided guidance
enjoy coming in for service Information About Rent And to tax collectors in Volusia, Broward and Miami-Dade
without waiting in a crowded counties. These counties are transitioning from appointed
lobby. Many clients are able Utility Assistance to independently-elected constitutional tax collectors.
to complete their transaction This transition is required by Amendment 10 which was
with us in less than 15 With COVID-19 continuing to cause extreme hardships approved by Florida voters in 2019. She also assisted
minutes. for many in Palm Beach County, I often hear from several tax collectors with improving their websites to
September is also a busy month as we have two important residents who are deeply worried about paying their bills, provide citizens with greater access to online services.
tax deadlines this month. If you are enrolled in our budget- especially for housing and utilities. Fortunately, there is “I am proud of the innovative practices we developed
friendly installment payment plan, your second payment is help available locally, and I am pleased to share these and implemented during a very trying time,” reflected
due Sept. 30. It’s also time for business owners to renew important program details with you. Gannon. “These operational changes are helping all tax
their local business tax receipt by Sept. 30. Both payments Palm Beach County’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent collectors provide more efficient service to the citizens of
can be conveniently paid online at www.pbctax.com. and Utilities Assistance Program provides one-time rental Florida when they need it most.”
Don’t forget ... Our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. and/or utility assistance to residents who have experienced
7, in observance of Labor Day. loss of income, reduction in hours or unemployment due to Important Dates And
Please enjoy a safe holiday weekend! COVID-19. Applications are accepted online and by drive-
Anne M. Gannon, through at the county’s Community Services Department Deadlines
Constitutional Tax Collector, offices in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. Please call
Serving Palm Beach County (561) 355-4792 to make an appointment and learn about Sept. 7 Labor Day – offices closed
drive-through hours. Sept. 30 Local business tax receipt renewals due
Anne Gannon: Taking Charge card (ID) is required to apply for this program. If you September installment payment plan payment
Please note: A valid driver license or state identification
due
And Making Changes need help obtaining a valid driver license or state ID card, Oct. 5 Deadline to register to vote in the 2020 general
please visit www.pbctax.com to make an appointment for election.
Anne recently in-person service at one of our offices. Born in November? Registrations expired at midnight
sat down with Florida Power and Light (FPL) is also helping its on your birthday. Renew 90 days in advance at www.
Penny Pompei, customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to pbctax.com.
host of Talk of COVID-19. The company has suspended disconnections
the Palm Beaches for nonpayment and continues to waive late fees and
on 95.9 FM, to additional payment extensions to help customers manage
discuss the past-due balances.
many innovative Customers may also qualify for assistance through
changes she is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
implementing at (LIHEAP) and FPL’s Care to Share Program. To learn
the Constitutional more, please visit www.fpl.com.
Tax Collector’s Reminder From
Office. Gannon Reflects On Her Year
“We faced As President Of The Florida
some very Palm Beach Gardens
difficult challenges with this coronavirus,” said Anne. Tax Collectors Association
“But we used it as an opportunity for improvement.” Police Department
During the 50-minute interview, Anne discussed a wide When Hon. Anne M. Gannon began her one-year term
range of topics including: as president of the Florida Tax Collectors Association Adopt These Habits To
• Steps she is taking to ensure the agency is able to (FTCA) on August 28, 2019, she began her term focused
continue to serve the public safely and efficiently on providing leadership and advocacy in support of all tax Prevent Vehicle Burglaries
• Operational improvements she is implementing to collectors and the Floridians they serve. Then she faced a
help save clients time and money global pandemic crisis. • Please lock your vehicle doors every time – even
for a quick stop or at home.

• Never leave items of any kind inside your vehicle.
Hiding items doesn’t work!

• At a minimum, if you must leave items, place
them in your trunk.

• Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS holders and
other key sets act as neon signs.

• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert and call in
any suspicious activities to the police department
nonemergency number: 799-4445.

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Captain’s is committed to providing
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561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com