The 2009-2010 fiscal year was a tough financial year.

But the Moore County Tax Department clung to tradition and again, for the 19th consecutive year, exceeded the 99 percent collection rate.

In the annual tax settlement, Tax Administrator Wayne Vest told the Board of Commissioners Monday night that his office had collected $56,240,270 in real, personal, motor vehicle and other taxes for the past fiscal year. That represents a collection rate of 99.3845 percent of the adjusted levy of almost $56.6 million.

“It’s just amazing,” said board Chairman Tim Lea in praising the work of Vest and his staff. “Most corporations don’t have a rate that high.”

Vest credited the county’s taxpayers for their cooperation in making the high collection rate possible. He expressed appreciation to the tax office staff for hard work and also thanked the commissioners for their support.

“This is the 19th consecutive year that our collection rate has been above 99 percent,” Vest said. “It’s an achievement we’re proud of. It takes a team effort.”

Commissioner Nick Picerno added, “It shows our taxpayers are responsible people.”

The county has a tax base in excess of $15.3 billion.

After the meeting, Vest was asked how his staff managed to maintain its high collection rate in a year marked by high unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies.

“We have a good process,” Vest said.

He said taxpayers have always been cooperative and many actually pay their accounts earlier than necessary. He added that the commissioners have also authorized his office to use all legal methods to collect from delinquents, such as wage garnishment.

Vest acknowledged that the 2009-2010 rate is not quite as high as it was the previous year and blamed that on the slow economy. But the difference is only a matter of a fraction of a percentage point.

The commissioners voted unanimously to accept the tax settlement and also charged Vest with responsibility for collections of all taxes in the 2010-2011 year. These are routine actions required by state law.

The tax settlement covers all taxes collected, not just real and personal property and motor vehicle taxes. It includes the special fire and Advanced Life Support (paramedic) taxes, late payments, afterlists, and discoveries.

In keeping with state law the county collects motor vehicle taxes for all 11 municipalities and also collects municipal taxes for nine towns and villages. These collection figures are also part of the settlement.

Early in the meeting, the tax department staff was recognized for “another year of outstanding service.” The board gave a standing ovation and personal handshakes for Vest and the staff members present.

Contact Florence Gilkeson by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.