March 19, 2007 — Christiansted offices of the Tax Assessor and cadastral maps were closed Monday for brief renovations spurred by air-quality complaints.
The office will reopen to the public from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from the lieutenant governor's office. The assessor's office will close at 1 p.m. every day until further notice to allow for the timely completion of emergency repairs.
"When we have air-quality complaints, we have to take them seriously," said Celeste Lawrence, press secretary to Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis.
Inside the office, the carpet has been pulled up and bare concrete is being cleaned and prepared.
"Right now we are taking up the carpet and replacing it with tile," Lawrence said. "Then we will do an air-quality test to see if it is more than just a musty carpet."
Francis conducted an extensive tour of the building on Monday and assured customers that, except for the reduced hours, business will continue as usual.
"We understand that the closing of the office for the past two days was an inconvenience to our customers, especially to those with questions about their property-tax bills," he said. "We must take into account, however, the safety and health of our employees in order to provide the best customer service possible."
Lt. Governor Francis is also asking customers visiting the Tax Assessor's Office to excuse its appearance as repairs are currently underway. Normal business hours will resume as soon as all repairs are completed.
For more information about business hours or for questions about property-tax bills for St. Croix properties, please call the Office of the Tax Assessor at 773-6459 in Christiansted or 772-3115 in Frederiksted. Customers are encouraged to call the Frederiksted office if they experience problems getting through to the Christiansted office.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
