NEWPORT NEWS -- If you owe $200 or more in personal property taxes in Newport News, the city will be using license plate scanners to find you.
The first round of collections begins April 1 and officials hope to put $3.9 million in city coffers.
"We began installing license plate scanners just this month in deputies' vehicles," City spokeswoman Kim Lee told 13News Now.com. "This is not a one-time thing; it will be an on-going program."
The scanners, mounted on the back of six sheriff's deputies' cruisers, automatically read license plate numbers. If a match is found in the database of delinquent tax accounts, an alarm alerts the deputy, who then contacts the Treasurer's Office, according to a press release from the city.
After verifying the information, the office will authorize the vehicle be seized until the taxes are paid.
After three days, a $30.00 administrative fee and a $51.55 towing fee will be tacked onto the bill. If the debt is not paid within 30 days, the vehicle will be sold at public auction, officials say.
"These taxpayers have already been sent several notices and have been informed that legal and/or collection action will be enforced. They are individuals getting around other enforcement tools including DMV Stops and wage liens. This new technology allows us to ramp up collection efforts and I am pleased Sheriff (Gabe) Morgan has been so willing to aid in this endeavor," said City Treasurer Marty Eubank.
The scanners were acquired by the Newport News Police Department through a grant several years ago to locate stolen cars.
When that program ended a few years ago, the scanners were eventually passed to the Treasurer's Office. So, there was no cost to the city to acquire the equipment, Lee stressed.
If you have questions about whether you have unpaid taxes or need to see if you can set up payments call the Treasurer's Office at 757-926-8731 or e-mail treasurer@nnva.gov .
The police departments in several localities in Hampton Roads have license plate scanners to check for stolen vehicles. Learn more on that effort here.
