Considering the fact that it was only the second time in Lawrence County’s history that a tax lien sale was conducted, reaching just short of $1 million generated has to be considered a success.

The Lawrence County Treasurer’s office conducted a second sale earlier this week. Including the parcels that were either sold or where property owners paid their taxes, the sale generated more than $850,000.

This is a big victory for the county and certainly for the school districts. Schools receive approximately 75 percent of the taxes paid in their respective districts.

With increasing operating expenses and state funding dwindling, it is more important than ever that Lawrence County’s tax base supports our local governments and the school districts.

We applaud county treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham for his efforts to conduct these tax sales as a way to clear debt from the books as well as increase revenue for the county.

A third sale is slated for next month and we hope the county can realize similar results.

Each and every property owner has a civic responsibility to pay his or her taxes in order to contribute to the growth and development of our community.

It isn’t the first choice when it comes to prodding taxpayers to honor their debts but it is a necessary step.

The tax lien sale is the proverbial stick that can be used when the carrot isn’t getting the job done