Hood River County property owners will receive a 3 percent discount by paying their full tax bill by Monday, or a 2 percent discount by paying two thirds of the bill on that day.

To avoid paying statutory interest of 16 percent per year, local property owners must pay at least one-third of their full property tax bill by Nov. 16. The second third must be submitted by Feb. 16, 2010, and the final installment by May 17, 2010.

Although many area house prices have dropped during the past year, county officials said a reduction in property taxes is unlikely. The downturn has not brought market values below Measure 50 assessment levels, according to Sandi Borowy, director of Budget and Finance, and Brian Beebe, director of Records and Assessments.

They said a tax payment made to the county is distributed to the various taxing entities, which include the county, school district, cities, fire districts, regional jail, ports, Educational Service District, urban renewal, sanitary districts, irrigation districts, parks and recreation, community college and transportation. These agencies have a set permanent tax rate that cannot be increased.

Voter-approved bonds, such as those for the library and Hood River fire station, and special levies, such as the one for school construction, add separately calculated amounts to tax bills.

Property owners who think the real market value on their tax statement is incorrect may file an appeal by Dec. 31, 2009, with Records and Assessment.

Tax payments can be made in person or via mail to: Hood River County Tax Collector, Department of Budget and Finance, 601 State St., Hood River, OR 97031.

For added convenience, payments may be made with a credit card online at www.co.hood-river.or.us; follow the link on the Department of Budget and Finance page.

Tax payment questions can be directed to 386-1301 and property valuation questions to 386-4522.