Butler residents who noticed an error in the per capita tax on the tax bills they received in the mail should call the city treasurer's office to get the matter resolved.

The Butler County assessment office, which prints the tax cards, erroneously charged each household member whose names appears on the deed to a home with the $10 per capita tax, said John Grenci, city treasurer.

The problem is that some of those people are deceased.

Grenci said it is common for a deceased spouse's name to remain on a deed after he or she dies.

“Thus, many deceased people are being charged with a per capita fee,” Grenci said. “It could affect hundreds of people in the city.”

The cards were mailed to city residents Wednesday and several residents called Grenci's office after noticing the error, he said.

“What people should do is call us to confirm the correct amount,” Grenci said.

Everybody who lives in the city, including renters, must pay the tax, he said.

A second problem with the per capita taxes also was discovered last week.

Residents who have been permanently exonerated from paying the tax were incorrectly billed, Grenci said.

People who aren't sure if they are permanently exonerated should call the treasurer's office to find out, he said. Some people apply for the exoneration annually, he added

Grenci said he believes that a software issue in the assessment office led to the problems.

The treasurer's office phone number is 724-285-4124, Ext. 208 or 209.