Since when did paying property taxes in a timely matter become optional or at the very least viewed as unimportant?

Sadly, that seems to be the thought process for many Lawrence Countians who continue to ignore or significantly delay meeting one of the most fundamental responsibilities we each have as citizens.

This hurts our communities, it hurts our schools and, ultimately, it hurts our future.

Again this year Lawrence County is faced with a sizable amount of past due property taxes.

In tomorrow’s Tribune we will publish the delinquent tax list provided by the Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office. Totaling 12 pages filled with more than 2,300 parcels that account for $1.3 million in past due taxes, this continues to be a negative trend for the county.

Because property taxes mostly go to the school district where the property is located, this is a big problem that greatly hinders our districts when it comes to having the resources needed to best educate our children.

Treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham has gone to great lengths to publicize when the property taxes are due and to put together a variety of options to allow citizens to create payment plans and have more convenient payment locations.

Still, many people seem to wait until the 11th hour — or ignore their obligations altogether.

With the rampant job loss across the nation and a continually sluggish economy, it is certainly understandable that some people want to do the right thing but simply cannot meet their obligations right now. I’m not trying to be insensitive to those people.

However, for many of the people on the delinquent list that is an excuse that simply doesn’t hold water.

Many of these individuals are prominent citizens who should be able to meet their responsibilities.

Some own large houses and valuable property. If they can afford to live in them or own it, then they can afford to pay taxes on them.

Without dispute, I think many on the list simply choose not to pay their taxes in a timely manner and put luxuries higher on the priority list.

My guess is there were still presents under their Christmas trees. They are driving expensive cars, taking extravagant vacations, dining out all the time and watching their 50-inch televisions.

And all those things are fine — if you are paying your bills and doing your part as a good citizen.

Getting our priorities straight on this — and in life in general — is going to be key to the success of our communities and of us as individuals.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.