ST. JOSEPH — Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski will meet with property owners who are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes. Those who owe 2016 and or 2017 taxes can set up a monthly payment plan to avoid foreclosure.

Last year, more than 400 property owners avoided foreclosure by signing up for a monthly payment plan. This program has served to benefit property owners and allow them to avoid forfeiting their properties with an overall success rate of 92 percent.

Those who are unable to come to the treasurer’s St. Joseph office at 701 Main St. during normal office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the Niles office from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Witkowski has set special times to meet in Niles, Three Oaks and Benton Harbor.

Meeting times will be hosted at the following locations to add convenience to Berrien County property owners:

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 — Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St., Niles

• 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 14 — Three Oaks Township Public Library, 3 N. Elm St., Three Oaks

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 — Benton Harbor City Hall, 200 E. Wall St., Benton Harbor

By law, citizens must pay their 2016 and prior unpaid taxes, or enter into a payment plan, or properties will be foreclosed April 1 of this year. If the delinquent taxes are not paid or made subject to a payment plan by April 1, then the treasurer cannot do anything under law to allow citizens to keep their property.

Those with questions should call (269) 983-7111 ext. 8569.