The $1.5 million worth of tax liens listed in the Richmond County Daily Journal Wednesday by the Richmond County Tax Collector represents over five cents worth of tax revenue.

One cent on the county tax rate represents income of about $280,000.

Property listed for 2008 became delinquent Jan. 6. The amount listed on property represents the amount owed without interest to be paid and the cost of advertising.

For 2008 there were 3,563 names listed representing the $1.5 million.

While in 2007 there were more names at 3,947, the amount was less at $1.4 million, County Manager Jim Haynes said.

When Haynes prepares his budget for the new fiscal year 2009 to 2010, he will base the amount of tax revenue from which to operate the budget on the overall tax collection rate from 2008.

That collection rate is yet to be figured, but has been running well over 95 percent in recent months.

The county tax office is now working with property owners to collect the $1.5 million owed.

If taxes remain unpaid, at some time in the future the county will foreclose the lien, and the property will be sold to satisfy the claim for taxes.