(WSBT) There's been another twist in the ongoing battle over property taxes, after word that St. Joseph County property taxpayers will only get one bill this year instead of two.

Spring property tax bills were never mailed because the county was still figuring reassessments.

Now, the county is waiting on the state to figure the tax rate. With the fall tax bill deadline looming, St. Joseph County Treasurer Sean Coleman says there's not enough time to allow for two installments. One bill will be mailed out later this fall and be due back November 13.

Taxpayers can make voluntary payments to help cushion the blow, but so far, those payments have only raised about $20 million, and that's causing some problems for local governments.

"None of the taxing units will be able to operate government as they used to," said Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea. "All of them have to take a very close look at how they do their business, because the revenue simply won't be there."

In fact, Mayor Rea estimates Mishawaka be will be out of cash reserves within a month. His solution is the same as South Bend's and St. Joseph County's: loans. But they come with price.

"It does mean a large interest payment," said South Bend City Controller Catherine Fanello. "The interest rate was 4.35 percent and we're estimated to pay out about $391,000 in interest."

Mayor Rea is well aware of the problem. Two years ago, Mishawaka filed for a loan from the city owned utility company, and was forced to pay nearly $150,000 in interest.

And some worry the problems may not end there, because property owners may not have budgeted for just one bill, and may have spent too much already this year to pay the bill in full when it arrives this fall.

"You don't know how many people have their taxes escrowed," said Fanello. "I think that's something that remains to be seen."

Some city and school budgets and St. Joseph County's budget are also unknown because they're now being built on estimates that could fall short of expectations.

"It's very much a guessing game," said Mayor Rea.

And while both cities say they aren't in danger of running out of money, some are worried the interest they pay in loans will cost some other program or project down the road.

South Bend filed tax anticipation warrants in May, and has received $17.3 million in loans so far. St. Joseph County and Mishawaka haven't filed yet, but leaders from both say they plan to later this month.