Cape Girardeau County commissioner makes final tax payment for 2008

Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Jay Purcell is up-to-date on his property taxes.

Purcell, who owns six properties, was more than six months delinquent on his 2008 real estate taxes when he paid $3,966.15 on three properties in July. On Aug. 12, Purcell caught up with his tax bills by paying an additional $5,065.74 to the county.

The final payment included $984.42 in interest and penalties. The July payment included $714.68 in interest and penalties.

Reached by telephone Wednesday morning, Purcell declined to comment on his tax payments.

Purcell, a Republican, is serving his second term on the Cape Girardeau County Commission. First elected in 2004, Purcell was re-elected in November. His commission district includes most of Cape Girardeau.

Property taxes are due Dec. 31 each year for property owned Jan. 1. A Southeast Missourian review in July of property tax payments by elected officials showed that Purcell was the only current officeholder who was delinquent on real estate taxes for 2008.

The taxes paid Aug. 12 covered properties at 2725 Oakshire Circle, 302 Lake Drive S. and 141 Louisiana Ave. Purcell's taxes paid in July were for properties at 1518 William St., 1533-1537 Independence St. and 1021 Bloomfield St.

When taxes are delinquent for more than a year, the property is subject to being sold at auction to recover the unpaid levies.

Pertinent addresses:

2725 Oakshire Circle, Cape Girardeau, MO

302 Lake Drive S., Cape Girardeau, MO

141 Louisiana Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO

1518 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1533 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1021 Bloomfield St., Cape Girardeau, MO