Taxpayer and wife, angry because his bank account had been attached, block deputy tax collector from leaving office and disrupt afternoon at county tax office.

By BOB HIGH
Staff Writer

An angry taxpayer and his wife interrupted the normal operation of the county tax office for about 30 minutes here Monday afternoon, and police were called to remove the couple from the premises.

The man and woman, living south of Chadbourn, were mad because of the tax office’s legal action to attach their bank account to pay $4,078.88 in back taxes, including interest and fees.

Tax Collector Richard Gore said the couple went to his office shortly after 2 p.m. and they were visibly upset. They spent about 30 minutes complaining about the tax action that went into effect on May 11.

“The woman put her finger in my face, and I told her to back away and calm down. We talked for quite a while, and the man wanted to speak to Doug Ward, the deputy tax collector who filed the legal action,” Gore said.

Ward said the couple went into his office on the east front of the building and shut both doors. The taxpayers complained in angry tones about the legal action that attached their bank account.
Ward blocked

The county employee said the couple had visited the tax offices before, but nothing like Monday’s incident had taken place.

Ward said he got up from his chair and started around his desk as he told the couple he was going to get Gore to come into the office, and the man blocked him.

“He pushed me on the chest with both hands and told me I wasn’t going anywhere. That’s when I called 9-1-1,” Ward said.

Nearby police arrived quickly and removed the couple from the building. The Chadbourn man was heard to threaten Ward while police were present, but Gore said Tuesday he and Ward decided to

not press charges of communicating a threat.
The couple has a long history of delayed tax payments. The records show they still owe 2004 and 2006, although 2005’s taxes of $1,878 – plus interest – have been paid.

Sit and listen

“We do things within the law. We’re willing to sit and listen to anyone if they stay on their side of the desk,” Ward declared.

“Taxes are a part of life. I’m only here doing a job for the county. It’s nothing personal,” he added.

Ward said the couple, like several other taxpayers, was sent letters notifying them of the possible action.

“We’re having problems, as usual, with about 3 percent of the county’s taxpayers. Ninety-seven percent of the people pay their taxes. Some are grumbling, but we don’t have any real problems with them,” Gore pointed out.