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"To solely hold the position because it has always been there doesn't make sense," said Wurdack. "It (through the county) is the best and most cost-effective way to collect taxes."
Alderman Bill Isgriggs questioned what the city would save by entering into a tax collection contract with the county.
"We are still paying the collector. Let's say we take the position (salary) down to $32,000," said Isgriggs, "we're not saving much."
Earlier this month, City Collector Ruth Dowil asked the city's personnel and finance committee to not go through "the backdoor" and lower the collector's salary to make the position undesirable for a candidate.
The city can set the salary for the collector, however eliminating the elected position must appear on the ballot and be approved by Union residents. The county would charge about $18,000, plus some additional charges, to collect city taxes. The current collector's salary, benefits and payments to the city's insurance provider total over $60,000.
"What if we take that down to $1?" asked Wurdack. "We can set the pay. If someone wants to, they can run for the position for $1, but the collection will be done by the county."
Committee members Paul Arand, James Albrecht, Bob Schmuke and Tammy Stowe agreed to recommend the full board allow the mayor to enter into a contract with the county. Isgriggs did not vote for or against the recommendation.
The discussion stems from a request by Dowil to raise the collector's salary by $1,500 next year. Her four-year term ends in April 2010.
City Administrator Russell Rost said the time is nearing the "tail end" of when the county must be notified and a contract signed to collect city taxes.
"We must make a firm decision on what to do before the filing date," added Schmuke.
Filing for the April election begins in December.
The county collector's office began collecting for municipalities in 1998 when it started collecting for Washington. Other cities began soliciting the service. In 2006, Pacific was the latest to have the county collect its taxes.
Each of the cities the county collects for is assessed a charge for the service. One and one-half percent of the total charge goes to the collector's fund and one-half percent goes to the assessor's fund.
That money goes to the general revenue fund and offsets the extra costs in each office. In addition to the collector and assessor charges, the county collector and clerk each get a $2,000 commission for their services. This is because both are held personally accountable for the accuracy of their offices.
Berger, Gerald, Leslie, Oak Grove Village and Parkway Village do not have to pay to have the county collect their taxes for them because so little tax is collected.
Another benefit to cities is that the county is better able to collect on delinquent bills. As long as the individual lives within the state, he or she will have to pay personal property tax to renew license plates and tags at the Missouri Department of Revenue.
"Most of the other cities that collect this way have seen the delinquency rates go down," said Wurdack.
