August 2021, Vol. 15, Issue 8

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Dear Friends:

August is here and back to school season is next! Nationwide, many parents, especially mothers, took time off or left their careers to stay home with children during the pandemic. For those considering a return to the workforce, please consider working for our agency. We have several positions open now, which offer stability, weekends off and paid holidays throughout the year.

I’m proud to highlight data from our Annual Report, which details how your tax dollars are hard at work in our community by providing services for you, your family, and your neighbors.

I hope you enjoy this issue of “Tax Talk”, and the rest of your summer.

Sincerely,

Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County

Back to School = Back to Work?

Late summer is always a busy time with students heading back to school. This year, parents are breathing a collective sigh of relief across Palm Beach County as children return to in-person schooling. An unfortunate reality, as many studies have revealed over the past year, is that the home-schooling and childcare responsibilities disproportionately fell on mothers, with many electing to leave their careers altogether. Economists have revealed that while 3.7 million men lost or left their jobs during the pandemic, 4.5 million women have lost theirs.

The hospitality, retail, restaurant, and travel sectors had many businesses closed during the pandemic and are now slowly reopening and rehiring as the economy revs up. Many people have opted to not return to those jobs, which also often come with unpredictable schedules, unreliable pay, and do not offer benefits or health insurance. What if there was an alternative? Our office has several Client Service Specialist (CSS) positions now available. The role offers paid training, steady, predictable hours Monday through Friday, medical and dental insurance plans, and enrollment in the Florida Retirement System (FRS). If service is in your DNA, you enjoy helping people and want a career that makes a difference in your community, please visit www.pbctax.com/culture-and-careers to learn more about our current opportunities. We would love to hear from you!

Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2019-20

The 2019-20 fiscal year began as usual, but halfway through, the Covid-19 pandemic made dramatic changes in how we provide essential services to our clients. We did not waver in our commitment to Serving You, and that is reflected in the Annual Report for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which is now available online. Click here!

We experienced a hefty increase in our call center call volume and visits to our PBCTAX.COM website were up 42%. As a result of this increased usage, we doubled-down and redesigned our website in a responsive style, so clients can access all the features whether browsing from a mobile, tablet or desktop device.

The Annual Report also illustrates how more than $4.1 billion in property tax revenues were disbursed to the individual taxing authorities throughout the county. From schools, healthcare, and special improvement districts, to fire services and libraries, your property tax dollars are hard at work countywide making Palm Beach County a wonderful community we all call home. If you prefer to have a printed copy of the Annual Report, please email our office at clientadvocate@pbctax.com and we will send a copy right out to you.

New & Teen Drivers

If a family member is learning to drive and preparing for their first Florida driver license, we have some resources and tips for you!  First, visit www.pbctax.com/teen-driver/ to prepare your teen for everything that comes with the responsibility of having their own driver license. Then look over the family calendar and map out appropriate timelines for your teen to prepare to obtain a Learner License. Appointments can be booked up to 90 days in advance by visiting www.pbctax.com/appointments. You are encouraged to book appointments early to get your desired date and time.

Westlake In View

I am excited to report that we are making remarkable progress at our new Westlake Service Center. Click here for a brief video so you can see the progress for yourself! With a projected opening date in early 2022, we look forward to Serving You there soon.

Important Dates & Deadlines