Clarke County’s ad valorem tax collections have grown by almost $4 million since 2020, according to figures presented by Revenue Commissioner Tyler Prescott during Tuesday’s county commission meeting in Grove Hill. Prescott told commissioners that the steady climb reflects both rising property values and stepped-up efforts within his office to collect taxes that are owed.
A Steady Five-Year Climb
Prescott reported that the county collected $15,895,569.34 in ad valorem taxes for the 2025 tax year, up from $11,921,506.44 in 2020. Ad valorem taxes, which are levied based on the assessed value of real and personal property, fund a wide range of local services, and the year-over-year increase Prescott described has been gradual rather than the result of any single change.
How the Revenue Is Distributed
Of the total collected for 2025, Clarke County itself received $4,440,770.07, while Clarke County and Thomasville schools together were allocated $7,804,820.58. The State of Alabama’s share came to $2,709,925.30. The Alabama Forestry Commission also received $70,356.74 from timber tax collections, a category tied to the county’s significant timberland acreage.
Beyond the required disbursements, Prescott noted that county taxpayers voluntarily contributed $525.12 to the local firefighter fund and $599.77 to the rescue squad through optional donations included on their tax bills. His office additionally brought in $13,571.50 in interest charged on late tax payments and $14,899.56 in late fees and penalties, revenue generated from taxpayers who did not meet payment deadlines.
Thomasville Medical Center Properties Sold at Auction
Prescott told commissioners that the only unpaid tax properties auctioned this year were tied to the shuttered Thomasville Regional Medical Center. Clarke County itself purchased those properties at the tax sale and is now earning 12 percent interest on roughly $100,000 in outstanding bills. The county will continue collecting that interest unless and until a new buyer for the hospital properties emerges and the debt is settled.
Office Hosts Statewide Gathering, Staff Earn Recognition
Prescott also highlighted a professional milestone for his office: in March, the Clarke County Revenue Commissioner’s office hosted the Association of Alabama Tax Administrators meeting, drawing more than 100 attendees from across the state. Prescott said the gathering went well enough that Clarke County has already been chosen to host the event again in 2027.
On staffing, Prescott reported that Beverly Martin recently earned property tax support personnel certification, a credential he said had not been held by anyone in the county revenue office in many years. Brianna Hawk was promoted to deputy revenue commissioner following the retirement of longtime employee Marlene Davis. Davis, in turn, has stayed on to help train Bryanna Bolden, who is taking over personal property tax responsibilities. Bolden has completed several required courses on personal property taxation and is continuing additional coursework.
Commissioners Commend Collection Efforts
County commissioners used the meeting to publicly credit Prescott for his role in growing collections and pursuing delinquent accounts. Commission Chairman Jackie Ray Rush told Prescott, “Mr. Prescott has helped this county tremendously.” Commissioner Rondel Rhone pointed to Prescott’s personal effort in tracking down unpaid taxes, telling him, “You have gotten in your personal vehicle and burned your personal gas to go hunt people” regarding delinquent tax bills.
The revenue commissioner’s report comes as Clarke County, like many rural Alabama counties, continues to rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund schools, county government operations and local emergency services. Prescott’s presentation offered commissioners a detailed accounting of where that money originates and how it is ultimately distributed across the county.