Perhaps the best indication of the perception of an unavoidable requirement in our society is  how it is famously linked to the end of life.

No, paying taxes is never going to be looked at with much affection, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fundamental part of a functioning community.

Property tax bills for Clark County residents went into the mail late last month. For those who live within the city limits, the bills will be coming soon.

No one likes paying property taxes but, as The Sun’s recent Closer Look series story illustrated, these dollars are absolutely critical to creating the type of community we want to live in.

A property owner with a home valued at $100,000 would pay $981.26 for 2017. Of that:

— $622 goes to the school district;

— $122 goes to the state;

— $93 goes to Clark County;

— $67 goes to the library;

— $46 goes to the health department;

— $31.26 goes to the extension district.

Each of these are important, even if you don’t believe you use the services.

The value of creating good schools should be obvious. Quality educational institutions attract people to live here, attract businesses and create an environment that is appealing to economic development. Most importantly, our schools create our future leaders, some of whom will stay here in Clark County.

State funds ultimately go to things like roads that we all benefit from.

Locally, property taxes comprise about 25 percent of the county’s general fund budget.

Judge Executive Henry Branham summed it up perfectly.

“In Clark County for the $93 you pay on a $100,000 house, you get all the services: law enforcement, ambulance service, jail, 911 dispatch,” Branham said. “It’s amazing what you get for $93.”

Even institutions like the library, health department and extension office benefit a large majority of Clark County residents.

Libraries are gateways to learning and provide a myriad of services beyond just books including free internet access, educational programs and job seeking assistance.

Like to eat out and prefer the restaurants are clean? Thank the health department. The organization offers a variety of other low cost or free programs to help people stay healthy.

The extension office offers educational and quality of life programs focused on agriculture, the environment and youth development.

No one likes paying taxes but it should be looked at for what it truly is: investing in the community we call home.