Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Tau Delta fraternities are among a group of people and organizations behind on their 2006 property taxes, according to the Douglas County Treasurer’s Office.
Karl Barron, former Delta Tau Delta and Baker alumnus serving as treasurer for the fraternity’s House Corporation, said an article that appeared Monday in the Lawrence-Journal World saying the fraternities were behind on their 2007 taxes was not wholly correct. The article listed the fraternity as owing $2,691.06, while the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity was listed as owing $3,215.12.
“We haven’t received the amount that is due yet for 2007 property taxes,” he said. “Those usually come out in December.”
Barron said he took over as treasurer in June and was directed to pay 2005 and 2006 taxes the fraternity owed. He said the $2,000 figure is no longer correct.
“Apparently we had been on an extended payment plan. We’ve been experiencing a little bit of difficulty with collections and as a result we were suffering some cash flow problems – which we have remedied,” he said.
Barron said he contacted Stacy Kurtz, director of taxation and accounting for Douglas County, to find out the exact amounts that were owed for each year.
“She gave me an amount for ’05 and ’06,” he said. “Through our conversation I wrote it down and I cut a check for those amounts.”
Barron said the checks were mailed in July and he received a call in August from the Douglas County Collector’s Office saying the fraternity was behind on the 2006 taxes by $776.04.
“(Kurtz) quoted me short on the 2005 taxes. In an effort to expedite on the older taxes she took the extra money we were short, $776.04, out of the check that I sent for the 2006 taxes and subsequently we were short by that same amount on the 2006 taxes,” he said. “She apologized and said it was kind of a misunderstanding.”
Kurtz said mistakes aren’t uncommon, but are more likely to occur when dealing with large organizations.
“A lot of times the problem that comes into play is the treasurer changes quite regularly,” she said. “Often times it’s not mailed to the correct location.”
Kurtz said that was part of the reason for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity’s discrepancy.
Tyler McLenon, chapter counselor for the alumni volunteer board of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said the fraternity was behind on its taxes because its notice was sent to the wrong address.
“As chapter counselor I don’t deal directly with the finances, but I do know, in this case, the issue was that there was a mix-up in our post office box and that the payment has been made.”
Kurtz said taxes for 2006 came due Dec. 20, 2006, and May 10, 2007. She said once May roles around people and organizations can no longer make half payments and must render their debts fully.
Barron said he’s mailed a check in the amount of the remaining balance.
“Once it is cashed we will be totally current,” he said.
Kurtz said she’s been in contact with representatives from Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Tau Delta.
“We’re kind of hoping within the next week everything is caught up.”
