BENTON - Franklin County taxpayers have until the close of business Wednesday to pay their final installment of 2007 payable 2008 real estate taxes, Treasurer John Gulley said.

Payments can be made in person at the treasurer's office in the Franklin County Courthouse, at any bank in Franklin County, or by mail. Payments can also be made using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express at www.franklincountyil.org.

A convenience fee will be charged for using credit and/or debit cards for payment. The fee is charged by the payment company and not the treasurer's office.

Second installment payments not made by close of business on Wednesday will be subject to a 1.5 percent per month late payment penalty.

Additional penalties and costs may apply. The penalty on late first installment payments will rise to 3 percent on Thursday.

For more information, call the treasurer's office at 438-7311.