New London - If you go to the drive-up window at 13 Masonic St., don't think someone's going to ask "Do you want fries with your order?"

The only thing you can get is a receipt for paying your taxes. As of July 1, city property owners can pay real estate, personal property and motor vehicles taxes without getting out of the car.

The Finance Department, which moved into the former Savings Institute in March, decided to use the abandoned drive-through bank window to accept some of the roughly $22.8 million in tax payments due by July 31.

"We know we're the only ones in the area. We think we're the only ones in the state,'' said Donna Rinehart, senior accountant/treasurer, about having a drive-through window.

Although a notice was listed on the back of the tax bills that went out in June, only about 15 people have taken advantage of the window so far, she said. One person walked up to the window.

Only current bills can be paid at the window, which is open 9 a.m. to 3:30 Monday through Friday.

"We're trying to make it easier for everyone,'' Rinehart said.

k.edgecomb@theday.com