Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

County residents have a new way to pay property taxes.

A walk-up window has been added to the county administration building in Downtown Mocksville. It is on court square, just between the veteran’s monument and Twins Upholstery.

Tax Administrator Brian Myers said it is just another way to serve county residents, brought on in part by COVID-19 restrictions.

When the county administration building was closed, an employee had to go to the outside door to meet with the customer.

Even though the building is open now, social distancing means only one person (or family) can be in the office at one time. Before, three customers could be served simultaneously.

The drop box at the back of the building has been closed. A new drop box is located beside the new walk-up window.

The busiest times for the tax office are the weeks before and after Christmas, when residents come in to pay their property taxes before the January deadline.

The new method isn’t only more efficient, it’s safer, Myers said. While still dealing with tax office employees face to face, residents will not be confined indoors with others.

“It’s another way for us to serve the citizens with face-to-face interactions,” Myers said.

Residents with any dealings with the tax office – not just property tax payments – may use the walk-up window. There is a buzzer for customers to push to get help.

The move could save residents steps, as parking is closer to the box than for entering the building. It is also ADA compliant, Myers said.