Lake County Treasurer

The treasurer’s office in Lake County Indiana is a Mecca or rather an inglorious example of tax payer dollars being wasted. Let me outline it:
2 out of every 3 employees are typically doing the following:
— reading a newspaper
— chatting on the phone with a friend
— a few just stare into space
— others talk to each other about future plans
— and 1 or 2 people actually assist tax payers
This observation isn’t just based on a one-​time or even thrice time visit. This is over the course of 2 years! Every single time I walk into this office any of the aforementioned can be witnessed.
I made the decision to right a review, not just based on the terrible lack of work ethic seeping out of that office, but the horrendous customer service I have been continually given.
After being told several different amounts for my taxes, I gathered up all my receipts and documents and headed for the office. I was optimistic that my evidence would get to the bottom of the issues this office seemed to have. Despite everything that I brought with me, signatures from staff members, I received three different amounts for taxes due. The 2^nd amount given was thought to be the correct amount and I was told to get into the cashier’s line. Before I even reached the cashier I was beckoned back to the desk and was told the amount I was given was wrong. You CAN IMAGINE the frustration. I thought I did a really good job of keeping my frustration in-​check. I just wanted to know the REAL amount.
The supervisor Heather came over, slammed a paper on the desk and said «this is the amount you can pay.» Well, I didn’t have a payment due to November, so why would I pay everything in full. With a hand on her hip, a bobble to her head, and a thin-​lined grim, she RAILED me… and for what? She made a HUGE scene and almost left me in tears.
She negated to listen to the fact that I had been given several different amounts. Jumped out of line, then back in line. I had documents proving other then what was being told… and she had the audacity to be simply NASTY. Who treats people like this?
If it weren’t for the necessity of paying taxes, I would NEVER step foot back in this office. I have yet to meet a nice clerk and judging on how rude and inept their staff are… its true that everything starts at the top.
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Side note: They hide the fact that you can pay your taxes online because it costs them money. Its not always setup and you have to request them to activate the online payment system.
Shame on the Lake County Treasurer’s office for offering some of the worst customer service in Northwest Indiana. They truly give government workers a terrible name and uphold the stigma! Clearly, Mr. John Petalas has better things to do then to make sure his diligent tax payers are being treated well in his office.