Feeling like you are not being represented by your elected officials?

I sure am.  We do have options. I am not suggesting a tax revolt, but here is something to consider. To receive a 2% discount on our municipal and school district taxes, the discount deadline is July 31, 2012. Since the taxes are to be paid by separate checks, they can be paid at different times.  Looking at the less expensive municipal taxes, the 2% discount is minimal by comparison. Do you feel like you are being represented by your commissioners? I don't. For less than $20 on average, you can make a statement to the municipality. I am choosing to pay my 2012 municipal tax bill in September.

I have always paid my taxes the second they would arrive in my mailbox. Last year, I waited to pay my school district taxes until the end of July.  I know it didn't make much of a difference to the school district, but I felt better. This year, I think I am going to take advantage of the school district real estate tax installment option. Here is the installment option as written at the bottom of my school district tax bill:

Mt. Lebanon School District Real Estate Tax may be paid in the following installments:

1/2 of the face tax due by: 9/30/12

1/4 of the face tax due by: 13/31/12 (whenever that is)

1/4 of the face tax due by: 2/28/13

If more people take this route, perhaps that would get our local government officials' attention.