BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Baldwin County property tax bills totaling $126.4 million are due by Jan. 3 to avoid penalties and fees, according to Baldwin County Revenue Commission Teddy Faust.

As of Tuesday, $42.7 million has been collected, representing 62,720 of the county’s 180,000 parcels.

The bulk of payments come in the last week of the year and first week of the new year, Faust said. Most bills are mailed around Dec. 31.

Faust said the collection rate has been above normal this year, which he attributes to decreasing property values.

“I am pleasantly surprised about the way collections are going,” Faust said Wednesday. “A lot has to do with the values declining. People believe the value is what it should be and it’s getting close to the bottom.”

Last year’s taxes were $140.3 million, while $94.2 million was billed in 2005. Immediately following the 2005 billing cycle, property values soared for two years from speculation and a strong economy.

“Values have continued to decrease, but I doubt it will come to the 2005 levels,” he said. “There has been lots of growth since then in the Malbis area and lots of new condominiums.”

Payments may be made at the Baldwin County Revenue Department on U.S. 31 in Bay Minette, satellite courthouses in Fairhope and Foley, and the Robertsdale County Annex.

For more information, call 937-0245, or go to co.baldwin.al.us and click on Revenue.