Columbia County property taxpayers now have one more way to pay.

In addition to the options of paying at the courthouse, online or by phone, taxpayers can go to either of two Portage banks: Community Bank of Portage, 2930 New Pinery Road, or Bank Mutual, 145 E. Cook St.

This, said County Treasurer Deb Raimer, offers convenience for people who prefer to pay taxes by check and get a receipt, but who might not be able to get to the courthouse before it closes at 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

"Banks are open later in the evenings, and on Saturdays," she said. "Also, a lot of people want a receipt when they pay their taxes, and one of these banks can give it to them on the spot."

Community Bank, which is the county's official depository, began offering the service last year. About 350 taxpayers paid a total of about $500,000.

Bank Mutual recently added the software to allow payments.

Someday, Raimer said, she hopes that other banks, in other parts of Columbia County, also will offer this service.

"If we could get a bank in Pardeeville or Columbus, maybe Poynette, Cambria, Lodi or Randolph, everybody in the county would be able to do this close to home," she said.

County residents typically get one tax bill that includes not only the property taxes they owe to the county, but also taxes for their municipality, school district or any special districts in which they might live.

The county allows taxpayers to pay their taxes in installments, provided that the first installment is received no later than Jan. 31 and the second is received no later than July 31.

ljerde@capitalnewspapers.com

745-3587