Ventura County property owners are paying their real estate taxes at a slower rate than in past years, according to tax collector Lawrence Matheney.

"We are running about 5,000 payments behind last year's record pace," Matheney said. "It looks to me as though more folks are feeling squeezed, especially new homeowners. That's understandable when you consider that an owner who paid $650,000 for a typical home is looking at an annual tax bill of $7,000 or more.

"Even by paying that in two installments, many households still need to pay $3,500 or more before the deadline to avoid the 10 percent penalty. That's a big hit, particularly when it comes in the middle of the Christmas shopping season," he continued.

Because Dec. 10 falls on a Sunday this year, payments will be treated as timely if received by Monday, Dec. 11.

For mailed payments, a U.S. Postal Service cancellation mark of Dec. 11 or earlier will also be honored as proof of timely payment.

Property owners who need to pay in person are urged to beat the crowds by coming as early as possible to the Hall of Adminstration, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.

Payments by electronic check or major credit card can be made online at www.ventura.org/taxcollector.

There is a secure drop box outside the east entrance to the Hall of Adminstration for depositing afterhours check payments.

Payments deposited before midnight on Dec. 11 will be accepted as timely.

Property owners can e-mail HelpingHand@ventura.org. to ask questions or to request duplicate bills.