It is the mission of the Tax Collector's Office to collect all funds due the City of Rochester while serving customers in a professional and courteous manner. The Tax Collector's Office collects all funds due the City of Rochester through property taxes, water and sewer user charges, automobile registration fees, and other revenue from all City
departments.
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ADDED CONVENIENCE
You can now RENEW your EXISTING vehicle registation ONLINE using the "e-reg" process. This is for renewals ONLY. If you need new plates or transfers, you will still need to go into the Tax Collector's office.
Then follow the simple instructions.
The turn around time for the e-reg process is approximately 2 business days and is for renewal registrations only. Please note that this service accepts electronic checks only. Anyone with a regular checkbook or checking account can use this system as an electronic check. Credit or debit cards are not accepted at this time.
Customers registering a vehicle for the first time or changing plates will still need to visit the City Tax Collector’s office in person. If there are any questions or problems with this new service, please call the Tax Collectors office at 332-1136.
Please note there is an added cost for this service of $ 2.50 per registration.
ADDED CONVENIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Tax Office located?
We are next door to City Hall in the Revenue Building at 19 Wakefield Street.
Do you take credit cards or debit cards?
No. At this time we only accept cash or checks.
Where do I pay my water and sewer bills?
In the Revenue Building at 19 Wakefield Street.
When are property taxes due in Rochester?
The first bill is due in July.
The second bill is due in December.
When does the tax year start?
Our tax year is April 1 through March 31.
Where do I go to get a dog license?
The city clerk's office in City Hall issues dog licenses.
Can I get a cost to register a vehicle over the phone?
We can tell you the cost for renewal if the vehicle was registered here last year.
For a first time registration we can estimate the approximate cost.
When transferring plates, we are not able to provide information over the phone.
How do I get a replacement if I lose my registration?
You can obtain a replacement registration at the State Motor Vehicle Office at a cost of $10.00 or at the Tax Collector's office in the Revenue Building for $12.50.
Can I register my automobile at the drive-up window?
No. The drive-up window can only be used for tax and water and sewer payments.
Can I get "moose plates" and "vanity plates" at this office?
Yes, but the permanent vanity plate will still be sent to you from the State.
Can I get temporary plates at this office?
No. You must get temporary plates at the State Motor Vehicle office at 306 North Main Street (in the Globe Shopping Plaza). The cost for temporary plates is $10.00.
When and where can I get my driver's license renewed?
8:15 AM to 4:15 PM on Thursdays and Fridays at the Rochester branch of the State Motor Vehicle office at 306 North Main Street (in the Globe Shopping Plaza).
8:15 AM to 4:15 PM, M-F at the Dover Point branch of the State Motor Vehicle office.
What are the hours of the State Motor Vehicle offices?
8:15 AM to 4:15 PM, M-F
What are some phone numbers that I might need?
Call 332-1136 for questions about Rochester property taxes.
Call 335-7511 for questions about Rochester automobile registration.
Call 271-2372 for questions about your driver's license.
Call 271-2251 for questions about 20 day plates, lost plates, or replacement plates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Water and Sewer
What are the water and sewer rates?
Water rate is $3.45 per 100 cubic feet of water.
Sewer rate is $4.70 per 100 cubic feet of water used.
How many gallons are there is a 100 cubic feet?
There are 748 gallons in 100 cubic feet.
How often will I receive a water/sewer bill?
The City bills for water/sewer quarterly so you will receive a bill 4 times a year.
Does the City have any adjustment for filling a pool?
Yes, but only if you have city sewer. You will be billed for the water you use at the regular rate, but since the water is not going into the sewer system we will not charge you for that. You will need to make a note of the reading on your water meter before you start to fill the pool and an ending reading when you are done filling the pool. Call the water billing section at 332-3110 with the readings. On your next quarterly billing you will see the adjustment for the sewer portion.
Do the Water and Sewer Divisions have any elderly exemptions?
Yes, if you qualify for the elderly exemption on your taxes you automatically get it on your water and sewer bill.
What is an average water/sewer bill?
There really isn't any average water bill. It all depends on how much you use.
How can I conserve water?
Three common ways to reduce your water usage are to replace toilets with the 1.5 gallon flush models, install energy saving shower heads, and repair leaky fixtures.
What is a Sewer Deduction Meter and who should get one?
A Sewer Deduction Meter measures the water used outside your home that does not go into the sewer system. The cost is approximately $250.00, so if you use a lot of water for your lawn or garden, or washing your car or house, or top off your pool frequently, you may want to consider this option.
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